A8 Chip Production is Approaching, Apple to Choose TSMC Over Samsung

[RaduTyrsina]

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With every new iPad or iPhone upgrade, we are used to seeing new processors, as well. So, as we’re waiting for the sixth-generation iPad and the iPhone 6 to get launched on the market, it seems that production for the upcoming A8 chip has already started. According to Taiwan-based TechNews publication, cited by MacRumors, Apple could choose the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) as the main supplier, as Samsung has reportedly dropped out of production over low yields:

According to the report, this shift away from Samsung for the A8 processor is not expected to affect production of the A9 processor in 2015. An earlier report suggested Samsung and TSMC may share the production of the A9, with Samsung supplying approximately 40% of Apple’s 14-nm A9 chip family in 2015. This latest report claims Apple may start A9 production with TSMC and its 16 nm process and then shift to Samsung and its 14 nm process when the Korean company can meet demand.

An inside source said that Taiwanese contract chip manufacturer had already begun making Apple’s A8 processors. Up until now, Samsung has been the sole manufacturer of Apple’s processors, so if this rumor turns out to be true, then it will be for the first time when the partnership between Apple and Samsung breaks.

The TechNews puiblication says that TSMC could become the sole manufacturer of the A8 chips thanks to its success it is having with the latest 20-nanometer manufacturing process. Recently, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple will release only the upgraded iPad Air this year, so if this turns out to be true, then it makes sense why Samsung allegedly decided to stop collaborating with Apple.

Source: iPhoneforums

 

[s2mikey]

Wow, it feels like the A7 hasn't even seen its potential reached yet.