Alleged iPhone 18 Chip Details Surface as TSMC Allows Multiple Staff Departures over Confidentiality Issue
TSMC, the world-renowned semiconductor manufacturing giant, has taken legal action against several employees who were implicated in a trade secret breach related to its advanced 2-nanometer (nm) chip technology. This technology is believed to be crucial for the upcoming iPhone 18’s A20 chip.
The unauthorised activity was first detected during TSMC's routine internal monitoring. Upon launching an investigation, the company found evidence of deliberate attempts to steal trade secrets. The involved employees have since been dismissed, and legal proceedings have been initiated against them. However, due to ongoing judicial review, specific details about these employees and the full extent of the leaked information remain confidential.
TSMC has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its business and adhering to its rules. The company has stated that it will take the strongest legal steps to safeguard its technology. Moreover, TSMC is strengthening its internal controls and collaborating with regulatory authorities to protect its core competitiveness and operational stability.
Japanese company Tokyo Electron has confirmed that a former employee of its Taiwan subsidiary is involved, but no evidence so far shows that information was shared with third parties.
The leaked secrets appear to be related to TSMC’s 2nm chip process, a significant advancement in chip-making technology. Despite the breach, Apple's iPhone 18 chip plans remain on track, but TSMC is now more vigilant than ever about internal threats.
The Taiwanese government is investigating the case, and criminal charges could be filed. The incident serves as a warning to others who may attempt similar breaches of security. Small leaks can cause significant problems in the industry, as demonstrated by this case of the fired TSMC employees.
The advanced 2nm chip technology, set to power future iPhones, was leaked, but no Apple designs were stolen. The technology secrets at stake in this event underscore the importance of safeguarding intellectual property in the tech industry.
TSMC's internal security systems detected strange activity and access to highly sensitive files. The chip industry has become highly competitive, with countries and companies working tirelessly to lead in chip-making. Any risks to TSMC’s technology could impact Apple’s future products, as Apple relies on TSMC for its iPhone chips.
Apple is reportedly planning to use the 2nm chip in all models of the iPhone 18, marking a significant improvement in speed and battery performance. The actions of the fired TSMC employees serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining robust security measures to protect valuable intellectual property.
[1] TSMC takes legal action against employees over chip-making secrets leak
[2] TSMC's 2-nanometer chip technology leaked, but no Apple designs stolen
[3] Taiwanese TSMC employees fired over chip secrets leak
[1] In response to a detected trade secret breach regarding its advanced 2-nanometer chip technology, TSMC has taken legal action against several of its employees who were implicated in the unauthorized activity.
[2] Despite the leaked secrets being related to TSMC’s 2nm chip process, no Apple designs were stolen in this incident.
[3] TSMC has dismissed several employees and initiated legal proceedings against them due to the alleged theft of trade secrets related to its chip technology.
[4] The leaked secrets in the TSMC case emphasize the crucial need for safeguarding intellectual property, especially in the highly competitive tech industry, particularly for companies like TSMC that are providers of core technology components for businesses like Apple.
