Apple has expanded its U.S. manufacturing with the production of the S9 chip for the Apple Watch now underway at TSMC’s Arizona facility. This move follows the plant’s earlier production of the A16 Bionic chip for the iPhone 15.
The S9 chip, which powers the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and previously the Series 9, shares the same advanced 4-nanometer process as the A16. This similarity allowed TSMC to adapt its Arizona production line for both chips efficiently.
Currently, TSMC Arizona operates in Phase 1A, producing around 10,000 wafers per month. Each wafer can yield hundreds of chips, depending on the design. With the upcoming completion of Phase 1B, production capacity is expected to double to 24,000 wafers monthly.
Apple’s decision to manufacture chips in the U.S. aligns with efforts to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on overseas production. This move also strengthens Apple’s long-term partnership with TSMC and could support future products like the next-gen HomePod mini.
Looking ahead, TSMC plans to bring cutting-edge 3-nanometer technology to the Arizona plant, potentially supporting Apple’s future A17 Pro and M4 chips.
This U.S. production expansion reflects Apple’s commitment to innovation, supply chain resilience, and continued technological advancement.
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