Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has reportedly begun manufacturing the next-generation processor for Apple’s next iPhone. AFP reports that the Taiwanese company, the world’s leading contract microchip maker, has already started producing the A8 processor that will power the iPhone 6.
Interestingly, the appointment of TSMC to produce Apple’s processing chips is said to be due to a need to reduce reliance on South Korean giants Samsung, who itself is Apple’s main rival in the smartphone industry. Samsung has previously been the main contract manufacturer of almost every Apple mobile processor, and rumours are that TSMC will be the sole contract manufacturer for the A8 chipset, which will be using a 20nm manufacturing process.
However, Samsung’s looming shadow is not likely to be going away anytime soon. After all, Apple has agreed a deal with Samsung for the Koreans to be its manufacturing partner for its 2015 mobile devices, which will be using a 14nm manufacturing process.
AFP’s report had more to share about the upcoming iPhone: while the “iPhone 6” moniker is not yet confirmed, it is reported that the next iPhone will be released “early in the third quarter” (July – September), and will feature a new, bigger screen size – 4.7 inches, to be exact. There’s no mention of that stunning “borderless” design, though.
(Source: AFP via Unwired View)
