O'Grady's PowerPage

Tag: A9

  • 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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  • Rumor: A9 processor production underway, Samsung could handle 100% of orders

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    Despite years of legal acrimony between Apple and Samsung, there’s still money to be made in processor manufacturing.

    Per 9to5Mac and Korea’s Electronic Times, industry insiders have stated that Samsung Electronics began production of Apple’s A9 in the Austin plant in the US using the 14nm FinFET technology. Samsung has production lines capable of FinFET process production in Austin, US and Giheung, Korea, but began to produce A9 only in Austin as it is in the initial stage.

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  • Mock-up video surfaces of possible, larger next-gen iPad

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    They have a mock up video of the possible larger, next-gen iPad.

    Per MacRumors and Nowhereelse.fr, YouTube user Canoopsy has created a video showing how an iPad Air Plus with those dimensions would measure up to Apple’s other devices including the company’s current iPads, iPhones and 13-inch MacBook Pro.

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  • Rumor: 12-2-inch “iPad Air Plus” could feature A9 processor, launch between April and June of 2015

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    It’s a rumor at this point, but an interesting one.

    Per MacRumors, Japanese magazine Mac Fan has published some possible schematics depicting the design of the larger-screened “iPad Pro” or “iPad Air Plus” in its January issue, which have been shared by Mac Otakara along with some information about the upcoming device.

    The schematics suggest the tablet will include a 12.2-inch LCD display, and it points towards dimensions of 305.31mm x 220.8mm x 7mm, or 12 inches x 8.7 inches x 0.28 inches, which is in line with previous rumors about the larger tablet. Many rumors have suggested a size of 12.9-inches for the larger tablet, but this is the second report from Mac Otakara that has suggested the device will have a 12.2-inch display.

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  • Rumor: Apple, Samsung sign deal for Samsung to build A9 chips for 2015 iOS devices

    From friends to litigants to partners again…

    Per MacRumors and the Korea Economic Daily, Apple and Samsung on Sunday officially signed an agreement that will see the two companies working together on future A-series chips for Apple’s iOS devices, with the deal specifically covering A9 chips based on a 14-nanometer process node starting in 2015. The claim comes just weeks after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) confirmed a deal with Apple to begin producing A-series chips in 2014.

    Samsung Electronics had supplied the AP [application processor] to Apple since 2007 but lost the contract to supply 20 nano AP A8 chips to Apple to Taiwan’s TSMC last year when it was engaged in patent disputes with Apple. Samsung Electronics developed state-of-the-art nanometer models ahead of its rival TSMC, regaining the order from Apple.

    A previous report about Apple’s agreement with TSMC had indicated that it was a three-year deal covering not only Apple’s future A8 chip but also A9/A9X chips. Reports had indicated that Samsung would remain Apple’s primary supplier through next year as TSMC began ramping up its production.

    As a result, it is unclear whether today’s deal will see both TSMC and Samsung producing A9 chips for Apple or if Apple has already shifted gears to return to Samsung as its primary supplier as part of its long-term roadmap.

    Apple has reportedly been seeking to reduce its reliance on Samsung as a component supplier as the two companies have become fierce rivals in both the mobile marketplace and in the courtroom. The two companies have, however, continued working together in several areas, particularly where Samsung’s competitors in the component market are unable to match its technology, production capacity, or pricing.

    The shift to TSMC for production of the high-profile main chips for Apple’s iOS devices had been viewed as breaking one of the most significant remaining ties between Apple and Samsung, but it appears that Samsung has been able to bring Apple back into the fold by leading the charge to 14-nm chips. With partnerships with both Samsung and TSMC, it appears that Apple should be well-positioned to take advantage of whichever company takes the lead in developing the latest technologies.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.