Apple delays production of 2nm M5 chip, opting for 3nm SoIC technology | Gpu vs cpu architecture | Hardware computer list | Gpu vs cpu | Turtles AI

Apple has decided to abandon production of the 2-nm M5 chip, opting for TSMC’s advanced 3-nm SoIC technology. Mass production will begin in late 2025, impacting iPad and Mac devices. The chip promises improvements in graphics and computational performance, while its evolution could also extend to new developments in AI.

Key points:

•  Apple has ordered the M5 chips from TSMC, but mass production will not begin until 2025.  
•  The M5 chip will be made using the 3nm process and SoIC technology, replacing initial plans for 2nm.  
•  Performance improvements will be in both graphics and computational capacity, with a focus on power efficiency.  
•  Apple could also integrate the M5 chips into its AI infrastructure, supporting new Siri features.

Apple has chosen to forgo making the M5 chip with 2-nm technology, a step that was originally planned for the next generation of processors. The decision likely stems from the excessively high costs associated with producing 2nm chips, a process technology that, while promising high performance, requires substantial investment. As a result, Apple has opted for a more pragmatic approach, keeping pace with TSMC, its longtime manufacturing partner, but taking advantage of the more proven and cost-effective 3nm technology. This choice marks an intermediate stage in the evolution of Apple’s chips, which will continue to benefit from performance improvements through innovations such as the optimized ARM architecture and the integration of TSMC’s System-On-Integrated-Chip (SoIC) technology. SoIC represents an advanced packaging solution that stacks chips in a 3D configuration, improving thermal management and reducing electrical losses compared to traditional 2D design. The benefits are not only thermal, but also in terms of power efficiency and processing density, features that will be particularly valued in devices such as the iPad Pro and MacBooks, where computing power and reliability are essential. Despite the move away from 2nm, Apple still expects significant gains in the overall performance of the M5 chips, which will support even more powerful integration in professional applications and high-end devices. The new versions of these chips are also expected to improve graphics capabilities, a key aspect of the user experience of Apple devices, especially in the creative and multimedia areas. Although the M5 chips will not enter mass production until the second half of 2025, Apple has already begun ordering them ahead of its new iPad Pro and Mac models. It is not excluded that the first device to mount these new chips will be the MacBook Pro, while MacBook Air models will probably have to wait until spring 2026. The iPad segment could also benefit from these new capabilities, although Apple may decide to reserve the upgrade for a more advanced version of its tablets. In parallel, it is reported that Apple is working on a significant upgrade of its artificial intelligence capabilities, aiming for an overhaul of the Siri system. Thanks to the M5 chips, the company plans to strengthen its AI infrastructure, with the goal of bringing a new large language model for its digital assistant to market, scheduled for 2026. Although it is still too early to draw firm conclusions, it is clear that Apple is preparing a series of innovations that could further revolutionize the user experience in the coming years. The decision to integrate M5 chips into its artificial intelligence strategy could mark an important step in Apple’s evolution of capabilities, with the promise of superior computing power and more efficient performance. Ultimately, Apple’s commitment to this new round of technology upgrades is set to further solidify its position in the premium device landscape.

Apple thus continues to drive innovation in the industry, with careful planning for the future of its chip line.