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Tag: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co

  • Chip manufacturer TSMC begins mass production of “A13” processor for next-gen iPhones

    Apple supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co has apparently begun production of its next iPhone System-on-Chip processor, the “A13,” prior to Apple’s anticipated iPhone refresh in September.

    Firms in the iPhone supply chain are expected to be working to produce components in preparation for assembly of the latest iPhone models at this time of year.

    According to an internal source, TSMC went into early test production of the A13 chip in April, with mass production planned for “as early as this month.” 

    It’s thought that the A13 chip will include both general and graphical performance increases over earlier processor generations.

    TSMC’s manufacturing capacity for the 7-nanometer production process could be maxed out for this year’s models, and could possibly exclude TSMC’s other clients for the quarter.

    The “A13” could be the last A-series chip TSMC produces for Apple using a 7-nanometer process. The “A14” for 2020 may use a 6-nanometer process, while a 5-nanometer process is also under development that could be used for future versions. 

    The 2019 iPhones are rumored to be called the “iPhone XI,” “iPhone XI Max,” and the “iPhone XE,” updated variants of the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. While staying relatively similar in terms of design, with an expected spec bump, the main change is the addition of an extra camera for each, with the two premium models having three cameras to the “XE” having two. 

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via AppleInsider and Bloomberg

  • TSMC looks to make $25 billion investment towards manufacturing A-series chips

    Although both TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Samsung are vying to be the primary chip supplier to Apple, TSMC has reportedly invested $25 billion to produce the next A-series chips on a 5-nanometer process. No timeframe has been announced for the investment.

    TSMC has been the exclusive supplier of the A-series chips since 2009, its conversion to a 5-nanometer process indicating that it’s gearing up to compete for future markets.

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  • Rumor: Samsung wins contract to produce A9 processor chip for next-gen iPhones

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    Samsung will apparently be producing the A9 processor for Apple.

    A report released on Thursday confirmed that Apple is contracting Samsung to manufacture A-series processors expected for inclusion in next-generation iPhone handsets.

    Citing sources close to the story, Samsung is slated to fabricate Apple’s forthcoming system on chip design, potentially dubbed “A9,” bound for this year’s iOS device lineup. If true, Samsung would reclaim a position currently filled by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, the world’s largest chipmaker.

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  • Rumor: Samsung snags 75% of Apple’s A9 processor orders

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    Apple and Samsung may have their ongoing legal squabbles, but that doesn’t stop them from making el dinero.

    Per AppleInsider and the Maeil Business Insider, Samsung has won a huge percentage of orders for the production of Apple’s next-generation “A9” system-on-a-chip, variations of which are expected to power this year’s iOS device lineup, according to a new report.

    Citing industry sources, the South Korean publication reported on Sunday that Samsung’s Austin, Texas fab is responsible for a 75 percent slice of orders for Apple’s upcoming SoC, presumably dubbed “A9” if the company’s A-series naming convention is followed.

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