Apple Chip Supplier TSMC Celebrates Arizona Factory Nearing Completion

TSMC hosted a topping-out ceremony for its new plant in Arizona.

The $12 billion factory will be the first of its kind to mass-produce chips in the US. All of Apple's latest chips are made with a 5nanometer process. TSMC made a statement in a post onLinkedIn.

Great progress continues on our 5-nanometer semiconductor fab – "FAB 21" – in #Phoenix, #Arizona. We recently celebrated placing the last beam – also known in the construction industry as a "topping" milestone - in FAB 21's fab building with our local partners. Over 4,000 attendees were on hand to enjoy this important moment including our own employees and partners. #TSMCArizona is on time and on track to bring the most advanced leading-edge semiconductor technology to the U.S.. We are deeply grateful to our partners and look forward to more successful milestones in Arizona.

The chairman of TSMC announced last year that the Arizona plant will begin mass production in the first quarter of 2024. The chips made in the Arizona factory are likely to be used by many companies. It will be possible for Apple's custom chips to be made in the US for the first time thanks to the new Arizona plant.

The M2 Pro or M3 chip is said to be Apple's first custom chip. When the Arizona plant opens for mass-production, it is highly likely that Apple will still need a supply of 5nanometer chips from TSMC.

TSMC already operates a factory in Camas, Washington, as well as design centers in Austin, Texas and San Jose, California, meaning that the Arizona facility will be its second manufacturing site in the United States. It was reported yesterday that Apple is opening a new development site in Israel to make custom chips for the Mac.