TSMC, not Samsung, to get Apple's A6 SoC production?

[Jos]

We've been hearing rumors that Apple plans to move A6 SoC production away from Samsung in 2012, favoring TSMC instead. The next generation chip is still a bit far off (the iPhone 4 uses an A4 SoC and its successor is expected to use the same A5 SoC as the iPad 2), but according to a Reuters report the Taiwanese chip factory has already begun manufacturing A6s on a trial basis. If TSMC can produce a decent yield rate it could secure one juicy deal.

There are no confirmed details about the chip itself but the A6 is rumored to be quad-core part built on a 28-nm manufacturing process.

Samsung has been Apple's sole manufacturing source for A4 and A5 processors. It remains to be seen if the companies would be cutting ties altogether or if Apple is simply trying to diversify its orders while maintaining some kind of relationship with the Korean giant.

Considering the growing tensions between the two, and the fact that Samsung is one of its toughest competitors in the smartphone market, some believe Apple is more likely to move its production elsewhere. TSMC is an obvious candidate to win processor business from Apple, as it's the largest contract chip manufacturer in the world and has experience with ARM architecture. That said, Intel is also said to be aggressively seeking business with Apple.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/44704-tsmc-not-samsung-to-get-apples-a6-soc-production.html

 

[Burty117]

Makes sense...

 

[Guest]

I wonder if TMSC will be able to meet demand -- I've never even heard of them, whereas Samsung has massive production facilities all over the place.

Doesn't seem like a smart move to me other than apple just being butthurt.

 

[Guest]

Your never heard of TSMC?
That's really sad.

TSMC is public traded a dedicated contract manufacturer, they are the major reason why many chip makers can go "fab-less" since the late 90's and focus on IC design. Obviously you know nothing about semi. Google their annual revenue and check out their clients list.

Why go with Samsung when they can just steal your IP and precious know how?

 

[howzz1854]

Guest said:
I wonder if TMSC will be able to meet demand -- I've never even heard of them, whereas Samsung has massive production facilities all over the place.

Doesn't seem like a smart move to me other than apple just being butthurt.

wow... have you been living under a rock? lol no offense

TSMC has been manufacturing semiconductors arguably way longer before Samsung started doing them. if you think Samsung is big, TSMC has some crazy 60%+ of entire world's semiconductor market share. they're the biggest in the world!!!... that computer chip you used in the 90's, 2000's all TSMC. all Nvidia/AMD chipes came from TSMC in one form or another.

i might be lil off on a few things... but there's no doubt on the scale and fame of TSMC's foot print. these guys are part of history of what making cheap and affordable personal computer possible. before that, IBM was manufacturing their own chips at a sky rocketing cost.

 

[mosu]

So, with no disrespect to hard work, TSMC is kinda sweatshop for semiconductors heavily subsidized by the Taiwan government.Keep up the good work, but I still like Samsung products.