Long-time Apple supplier TSMC will begin mass delivery of the upcoming A15 chip for the 2021 iPhone as early as the end of May, according to Taiwanese news site DigiTimes.
The new A15 chip will be based on an improved version of the 5nm process that first debuted in the A14 Bionic with the 2020 iPad Air and iPhone 12 lineup. The new generation of processors will most likely offer better performance as well as energy efficiency. Due to the impact on suppliers as a result of the global health crisis, Apple unveiled the iPhone 12 series in October rather than September as usual. With the impact on supply chains now easing, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple is on track to release the 2021 iPhone in September.
iPhone 2021: Smaller notch, always-on display and more
Since TSMC is now reportedly starting mass delivery of the new chip earlier than planned begins, this does indeed seem to be the case. Previous information suggests that Apple will move the earpiece to the top edge of the upcoming iPhones, resulting in a smaller notch. Apple is also expected to include a ProMotion 120Hz and an always-on display on at least some iPhone 2021 models. Other features reportedly include a new matte black option, improved fingerprint resistance for the stainless steel edges, and possibly an in-screen fingerprint sensor. (Photo by Denys Prykhodov / Bigstockphoto)