Long-time Apple supplier, TSMC, is set to become the exclusive manufacturer of an Apple “A10” processor for the next generation of iPhones according to a new rumor. If the rumor turns out to be true, Samsung will be cut out of the loop. The China Times claims that production for the chip will begin in March of next year using a 16-nanometer process. The chip is said to be using InFO (integrated fan out) architecture, which offers advantages such as cutting costs and streamlining manufacturing.
The move is one that could potentially give Apple the opportunity to switch to a system-in-package arrangement that is similar to the S1 in the Apple Watch. If things pan out this way, the “A10” processor may be more efficient and allow future iPhones to shrink further or alternatively make room for other upgrades such as larger batteries.
As of right now, the A9 processor that is found in the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus is reportedly being manufactured by both Samsung and TSMC. For several years, Samsung was the only manufacturer making the A-series chips at a factory in Austin, Texas. Sheer demand and/or Apple’s desire to distance itself from Samsung led to TSMC coming into the picture. TSMC is now expected to continue producing A8 chips for devices such as the Apple TV and iPad mini 4.
Apple hasn’t even begun shipping the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, which are set to be released on September 25th. That being said, the iPhone manufacturing process is typically long drawn out however as they need to have parts ready well before the assembly begins. The next generation of iPhones are expected to be releasing either a year or slightly more than a year from now with versions of the “A10” set to be used in the next-gen iPhones as well as future iPads. We’ll have to wait to see if the rumor turns out to be true.
Source: China Times
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