iPhone 18 Pro to Use TSMC 2nm, Chip Price Up 70%

Apple's iPhone 16 processor has been manufactured using TSMC's (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) cutting-edge 3nm process technology. Market rumors now suggest that the processor for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro will further advance to TSMC's 2nm process. As process technology continues to evolve, the cost of iPhone processors is anticipated to rise, potentially benefiting TSMC's operational performance.

According to media reports, the A20 Pro processor for the 2026 iPhone 18 Pro will be the first to utilize TSMC's 2nm process, with the chip price expected to increase from the current 50to85, marking a significant 70% surge. This cost increase may lead to a higher retail price for the iPhone 18 Pro.

TSMC maintains a policy of not commenting on specific customers, and Apple has not disclosed the cost of its iPhone processors. Consequently, the cost of iPhone processors remains speculative, with various rumors differing greatly. For instance, market research firm TD Cowen estimates the cost of the A18 Pro processor, produced using TSMC's 3nm process, to be 45,whileJapanesemediareportssuggestamuchhigherfigureof135.

While the exact pricing of TSMC-manufactured iPhone processors for Apple remains unconfirmed, industry analysts predict that as new processors adopt more advanced process technologies, TSMC's manufacturing prices will inevitably increase, boosting the company's operational performance.

In addition to the rising quotes for iPhone processor manufacturing, Apple's expanding use of self-developed chips also supports TSMC's operational growth. Industry insiders note that Apple has been TSMC's largest customer for several years since 2016.