TSMC's next-generation 1.4nm chips could go into mass production in late 2027, a year earlier than expected — good news for TSMC and the customers waiting on faster chips.

• Construction at TSMC's new Taichung site is moving fast, with the first building's steel frame already up.
• Trial production of 1.4nm chips could start as early as April 2027, with full production in the second half of that year.
• Markets had expected 2028, so this pulls the timeline forward by about a year.
• TSMC is spending close to $50 billion on the new capacity to stay ahead of rivals in contract chipmaking.
• Four plants are planned at the site; the third and fourth are still early, with permits being filed.

Outlook: If building stays on schedule, the first two plants should both be making 1.4nm chips by late 2027, right after 2nm ramps up.