Apple Watch S9 Chip Now Made in the USA at TSMC Arizona

Exciting news for Apple fans and tech enthusiasts! The Apple Watch S9 chip is now being produced at TSMC’s Arizona facility, according to a report from Tim Culpan. This marks another major milestone for TSMC's U.S. operations and highlights the growing role of American semiconductor manufacturing.

TSMC Arizona Adds Apple Watch S9 to Its Portfolio

In addition to the A16 processor for iPhones, the Arizona fab has picked up a second Apple product: the S9 SiP (System-in-Package), which powers the Apple Watch Series 9. The chip is manufactured using TSMC’s N4 process, part of its N5-family of nodes, and is believed to be a derivative of the A16.

This transition makes sense, as it aligns with TSMC's strategy of leveraging its advanced manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. while meeting Apple’s high standards for performance and efficiency.

More Chips in the Pipeline

TSMC Arizona isn’t stopping with Apple’s products. The facility is also producing the AMD Ryzen 9000, codenamed "Grand Rapids." With three chips now in production—the Apple A16, Apple S9, and AMD Ryzen 9000—the fab is ramping up its operations to support a growing portfolio of high-performance semiconductors.

Capacity and Expansion

Currently, the Phase 1A (P1A) line at TSMC Arizona is running at a capacity of 10,000 wafers per month, shared among the three products. However, big changes are coming. Once Phase 1B is completed, total capacity is expected to reach 24,000 wafers per month, significantly boosting production capabilities.

There have been some tooling delays, but TSMC remains on track to meet its first-quarter 2025 timeline for Phase 1B, ensuring the facility is ready for expanded production.

A Historic Meeting in February

TSMC’s board is set to meet at the Arizona facility this February, potentially marking the first-ever board meeting held in the U.S. The visit will likely include a tour of the fab, showcasing its progress and capabilities. While no formal event with former President Trump has been announced, Culpan speculates this could be an opportunity for the U.S. government to highlight advancements in domestic semiconductor manufacturing.

Why This Matters

The production of Apple chips in the U.S. is a significant step forward in strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chain resilience. For Apple, it underscores its commitment to sourcing components from a diversified base while maintaining its high standards for quality and innovation.

Additionally, TSMC Arizona’s growing role in producing cutting-edge chips for Apple and AMD highlights the importance of the facility in the global semiconductor landscape.

Final Thoughts

With the Apple Watch S9 chip and A16 processor now rolling off the lines at TSMC Arizona—and more products on the way—this facility is quickly becoming a cornerstone of advanced semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. The combination of cutting-edge technology, local production, and expansion plans makes this an exciting development for Apple, TSMC, and the tech industry as a whole.