Apple Boosts A18 Orders, iPhone 16 Shipments to Hit 100M

According to a recent report by Wccftech, the upcoming Apple iPhone 16 series is set to feature Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) advanced second-generation 3nm technology, specifically the N3E process for its A18 series processors. Sources within the supply chain indicate that Apple expects to ship between 90 to 100 million units of the iPhone 16 series, leading to an expansion in orders for the A18 series chips.

The A18 series is expected to be offered in two variants: A18 for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, and the more powerful A18 Pro for iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Both variants will leverage TSMC's upgraded N3E process, promising enhanced energy efficiency and performance.

Reports also suggest that all models in the iPhone 16 series will feature 8GB of memory, potentially impacting on-device operations that rely heavily on generative AI capabilities. Additionally, the A18 series chips may see enhancements such as larger dimensions, upgraded neural engine cores, and increased cache capacity. However, the GPU configuration is anticipated to remain similar to the current A17 Pro with 6 cores, possibly limiting significant improvements in graphics performance.

Given the robust demand for cutting-edge semiconductor processes, industry rumors indicate that TSMC plans to adjust prices for its 4nm and 3nm technologies. It's reported that NVIDIA has agreed to a price increase of approximately 10% for TSMC's 4nm orders next year, and a 5% increase for 3nm orders. As TSMC's largest customer and with ongoing collaborations in 2nm technology, Apple may maintain stable prices for its 3nm orders next year. Prices for orders from other clients are expected to be finalized by the end of the third quarter of this year.