TSMC Gas Contamination Issue Raise Concerns for iPhone 13 and MacBook Pros production

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is the sole semiconductor supplier for Apple’s various products. Recently, the TSMC’s most advanced chipmaking factory gets hit by gas contamination. This news might have raised alarm for Apple, as their next-in-line products launch date is a few months away. 

The affected factory, Fab 18 produces chips and processors for Apple’s latest gadgets, including those for iPhone 13 and rumored redesigned MacBook Pros. If this issue is not dealt with properly, it can delay the launch of the products which are scheduled in the fall of 2021 (if the launch pattern of Apple is followed).   

As reported by Reuters and Nikkei Asia, TSMC correspondent says, “Some TSMC production lines in the South Taiwan Science Park received certain gases from suppliers that are believed to be contaminated. These were quickly replaced with other gas supplies”. The company also clarified that immediate and necessary steps have been taken to ensure the best production quality and they believe that the incident does not have a “significant impact on the operations.”  

Amid the global chip shortage, this news is somewhat unsettling. Stay tuned for more updates!