Apple Orders M5 Chips From TSMC -- For 2025 Delivery -- November 29, 2024

Locator: 44456APPLE.

Elsewhere:

• M5 is tracked here.
• Tech is tracked here.
• Chips are tracked here.
• Apple is tracked here.
• Apple Silicon is tracked here.

And for System on a Chip (exactly opposite what most of the rest of the PC industry, especially Dell is doing):

System on a Chip (SoC). SoC tracked here on the blog.

• M-series, M1, M2, M3, and M4: TSM, 3-nm -- desktops, laptops, tablets -- newest models in 2024.
• Apple's press release. 
• now, M5 -- July 5, 2024. September 27, 2024.
  
• A-series, A-17: TSM, 3-nm -- iPhone, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone Pro Max
• A-series, A-18: all here.
  

System on a chip: the moment the industry shifted its focus.

Link here.

From the linked article:

The M5 series is expected to feature an enhanced ARM architecture and will reportedly be manufactured using TSMC's advanced 3-nanometer process technology. Apple's decision to forgo TSMC's more advanced 2nm process for the M5 chip is believed to be primarily due to cost considerations. Despite this, the M5 will feature significant advancements over the M4, notably through the adoption of TSMC's System on Integrated Chip (SoIC) technology.

This 3D chip-stacking approach enhances thermal management and reduces electrical leakage compared to traditional 2D designs. Apple is said to have expanded its cooperation with TSMC on the next-generation hybrid SoIC package, which also combines thermoplastic carbon fiber composite molding technology. The package reportedly entered a small trial production phase in July.

Apple's forthcoming M5 chip is anticipated to bring significant enhancements in performance and efficiency across various devices. Production could begin as early as the second half of 2025, with the first M5-equipped devices potentially launching by the end of next year or early 2026. Assuming Apple maintains its typical upgrade cycle for its custom silicon, here are the devices we're expecting to benefit first:

• iPad Pro
• MacBook Pro
• MacBook Air
• Apple Vision Air