Apple chip manufacturer TSMC has announced that multiple former staff members attempted to illicitly obtain trade secrets connected to the firm’s advanced 2-nanometer chip technology. TSMC has dismissed the individuals involved and is seeking legal recourse against them, potentially including criminal charges.
The 2nm technology is expected to be integrated into the A20 chips for the forthcoming iPhone 18 series. TSMC is acclaimed as a pioneer in advanced chip manufacturing and usually grants Apple access to its most innovative processes prior to other customers. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the upcoming A20 chip will appear in all iPhone 18 models, not limited to just the Pro editions.
As per a report by Nikkei Asia, TSMC alleged that the former employees sought to obtain privileged information concerning the 2nm chip creation and manufacturing. The company identified unauthorized activities through regular oversight, which exposed irregular access behaviors by one of the employees. TSMC has asserted that it has enacted stringent disciplinary actions and commenced legal steps against those implicated.
The repercussions of this situation may affect national security, as the Taiwanese government places a high priority on the protection of advanced technologies developed domestically. Prosecutors are currently examining the incident, and TSMC has indicated its desire to pursue legal action to the fullest extent of the law. While specific details regarding the accessed information have not been revealed, it is thought to relate to the 2nm process broadly rather than particular specifics about Apple’s A20 chip.
