TSMC sees major chip orders from Apple, Qualcomm
TSMC reports strong demand for smartphone chips, driven by iPhone 17 sales, as orders for Apple’s A19 processors built with advanced manufacturing technology surge. Chief Executive CC Wei told investors that inventory levels have stabilized and the consumer market shows growth potential for 2026.
The Taiwan-based chipmaker plans full-scale 2nm production by year’s end. Qualcomm and MediaTek have increased orders for their Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Dimensity 9500 processors despite paying 24 percent more for the same manufacturing process.
Analysts predict one-third of smartphone chips made in 2026 will use 3nm or 2nm processes. Apple has secured over half of the initial 2nm capacity for next year’s A20 processors, keeping ahead of competitors.
The premium smartphone sector appears ready to stabilize. Automotive chip demand remains weak and requires market corrections.
