Apple’s A14X Processor to Hit Mass Production in Q4 2020

Apple’s first silicon, designed to be used in Macs and iPad Pros is said to be entering the mass production phase in the fourth quarter of 2020. The A14X processor is a 5-nanometer chip with 12 cores. It’s expected that eight of those cores are for high-performance and four are designated for lower performance.

During this year’s virtual WWDC, Apple announced it is planning to transition away from Intel-based processors over the coming generation of products. Rather than utilize Intel’s x86 CPU, Apple announced its first ARM-based processor would begin being implemented over the coming two years. Now, according to DigiTimes, the A14X will be entering mass production in Q4 2020.

As per the report, the processor will begin mass production at TSMC, one of Apple’s many suppliers. According to its sources, DigiTimes believes that once production begins, the monthly output is “estimated at 5,000-6,000 wafers”. Additionally, Apple’s next iteration of MacBook and iPad Pro is said to be “fabricated using TSMC’s 5nm EUV process technology”.

Recently, word came out that Apple may release its first MacBook featuring the A14X chip in late 2020. The MacBook is said to be a 12-inch model, weighing less than one kilogram. Under the codename Tonga, it is said that the MacBook will have USB-C support and a battery life of 15-20 hours.

Additionally, an iMac featuring Apple silicon is expected to release in the second half of 2021. The China Times reports that the new device will be built with better performance and offer energy-efficiency thanks to the new processor.

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