Reportedly, yes—but the claim needs a qualification. A January 2025 report said TSMC had begun making components of Apple’s S9 system-in-package at its Fab 21 site near Phoenix, Arizona. The reviewed reports do not show Apple or TSMC directly confirming S9 production there, and they do not establish that the finished package is made in the United States.
Does TSMC make Apple Watch chips in the U.S.?
According to a January 8, 2025 report by MacRumors, citing technology columnist Tim Culpan, TSMC had started producing Apple’s S9 system-in-package at Fab 21 near Phoenix. Tom’s Hardware also attributed the information to Culpan’s sources and described the Arizona output more narrowly as “some ingredients” of the S9 package. Neither account is a direct Apple or TSMC confirmation naming the S9.
The distinction matters: a system-in-package (SiP) combines components into a package, and producing part of it in Arizona does not by itself establish where every component was made or where final integration occurred. MacRumors’ January 2025 report said the S9 and Apple’s A16 Bionic use TSMC’s 4-nanometer N4 process, and that A16 production at Fab 21 had begun in 2024. Those reported process and production details do not prove that every manufacturing stage for either chip took place in Arizona. Tom’s Hardware’s account likewise framed S9 output as an attributed report, not a company announcement.
What is confirmed about TSMC’s Arizona fab?
TSMC’s Arizona factory was operating at high volume by the end of 2024, according to a separate, broader statement. Axios reported on January 16, 2025, that TSMC chair and CEO C.C. Wei said high-volume production had begun at the end of 2024 and that yields were comparable to those at the company’s Taiwan factories. This supports the fact that the fab was producing chips at scale; it does not identify the S9 as one of its products. Axios’ report quoted Wei discussing progress and support for the Arizona project, without making an S9-specific claim.
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- S9 SiP Processor: Advanced processor improves overall performance and enables on-device Siri functionality.
Does “made in the U.S.” mean the complete S9 is made there?
Not on the available evidence. Wafer fabrication, advanced packaging and final integration are distinct stages, and the reports do not establish that all of them for the S9 occurred in Arizona.
In a March 6, 2026 article, EE Times reported that Apple did not comment on its account and that TSMC told the publication: “Currently, all of TSMC’s advanced packaging is in Taiwan.” The article also described plans for two advanced-packaging facilities at TSMC’s Arizona site. Those plans were future capacity, not completed facilities, in the report. EE Times further reported that Amkor expected its first U.S. advanced-packaging facilities to reach full operation in early 2028, with Apple as the first and largest customer; that is a reported expectation, not proof that S9 packaging had moved to the United States. EE Times’ March 2026 report provides the later packaging context.
Rank #2
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- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
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- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
Which Apple Watch uses the S9?
The S9 debuted with Apple Watch Series 9 in late 2023. MacRumors reported that Series 9 had left production by January 2025 and that Apple Watch Ultra 2 continued to use the S9. That identifies a reported device connection, not current retail availability for either watch. The S9 is a component inside a watch, not a separate consumer product.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to read claims that a chip is U.S.-made
When a report says a chip is “made in the U.S.,” check what stage and evidence it actually describes:
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- WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 9 — Your essential companion for a healthy life is now even more powerful. The S9 chip enables a superbright display and a magical new way to quickly and easily interact with your Apple Watch without touching the screen. Advanced health, safety, and activity features provide powerful insights and help when you need it. And redesigned apps in watchOS give you more information at a glance.
- CARBON NEUTRAL — An aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 paired with the latest Sport Loop is carbon neutral. Learn more about Apple’s commitment to the environment at apple.com/2030.
- ADVANCED HEALTH FEATURES — Keep an eye on your blood oxygen. Take an ECG anytime. Get notifications if you have an irregular heart rhythm. See how much time you spent in REM, Core, or Deep sleep with sleep stages. Temperature sensing provides insights into overall wellbeing and cycle tracking. And take note of your state of mind to help build emotional awareness and resilience.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS PARTNER — The Workout app gives you a range of ways to train plus advanced metrics for more insights about your workout performance. And Apple Watch comes with three months of Apple Fitness+ free.
- INNOVATIVE SAFETY FEATURES — Fall Detection and Crash Detection can connect you with emergency services in the event of a hard fall or a severe car crash. And Emergency SOS lets you call for help with the press of a button.
- Location: Does it identify wafer fabrication in the United States, or also advanced packaging and final integration?
- Product scope: Is the claim about a complete chip, or only some components of a multi-component package?
- Attribution: Did Apple or TSMC confirm the named product, or did a journalist report information from sources?
- Timing: Is the facility already operating, or is the report describing a future plan?
Applied to the S9, the Arizona production claim is attributed reporting; TSMC’s general Arizona high-volume production was separately reported as confirmed; and EE Times reported in March 2026 that TSMC’s advanced packaging was still in Taiwan at that time. These statements answer different parts of the manufacturing question and should not be treated as interchangeable.
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![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416RQ0rtsUL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
Rank #4
![Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS, 45mm] - Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band, S/M (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41HNzDmz9wL._SL160_.jpg)
- S9 SiP Processor: Advanced processor improves overall performance and enables on-device Siri functionality.
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