Sam Oliver
Citing "numerous sources in the semiconductor industry," Ars Technica reported on Monday that Apple is likely to tap Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to build its next-generation "A6" chip in 2012. Author Chris Foresman characterized chatter about a deal between Apple and TSMC as "deafening."
"It seems likely that Apple is making the change to cut some, if not all, Samsung-made components out of its supply chain," the report said.
The claims come days after a separate report out of China's Commercial Times also pointed to TSMC as a likely partner for production of Apple's anticipated A6 chip in 2012.
The current A5 processor found in the iPad 2 is built on a 45nm process by Samsung. But Apple and TSMC are rumored to build the next-generation A6 ARM CPU based on a 28nm process.
Apple's desire to move away from Samsung stems largely from the fact that the two companies are engaged in a series of lawsuits against one another. Apple has accused Samsung of copying the look and feel of the iPhone, iPad and the iOS mobile operating system, while Samsung has sued Apple and accused it of patent infringement.
The growing legal battle makes for an uneasy situation between the two companies, as the success of the iPhone and iPad has made Apple the largest customer of Samsung. Apple is expected to buy some $7.8 billion in components from Samsung this year.
Rumors of a partnership between Apple and TSMC are not new. Back in March, it was claimed that Apple could align with TSMC on an even faster timetable, having the company produce A5 chips for the iPad 2 and anticipated fifth-generation iPhone.
Earlier rumors suggested that Apple and TSMC had already entered into a foundry agreement, though Monday's report suggests that such a deal was not reached. But both reports also noted that Apple's interest in TSMC is at least partially a result of the fact that there are few options for system-on-a-chip fabrication outside of Samsung.
In May, it was suggested that Intel has shown interest in producing Apple's mobile chips like the A5. Ars characterized that development as a "remote possibility," only if Apple could combine its low-power custom ARM designs with Intels' new three-dimensional 22nm transistor process.
Bon Adamson
Wesley Hilliard
Marko Zivkovic
AppleInsider Staff
Malcolm Owen
Christine McKee
67 Comments
An Intel partnership would be great technologically, but I suspect that it would be hard for them to come to an agreement on pricing, at least for now. In a few years, though, Intel might be in a weaker negotiating position and things could change. Of course, by then, Intel's technological lead over foundries like TSMC might not be as great, either.
As for Samsung, i can see why they think it makes more sense to favor their own line of Android devices over the business they get from Apple for components. But I suspect that they will ultimately regret that choice.
Aren't most of the displays from Samsung as well?
I suppose the rule of thumb here is don't get on Steves bad side.
A deal like this would be very lucrative for any of Samsungs fab competition.
Samsung just copies Steve and rips him off. Why should he give them his business?
I'll be glad to know my new shiny Apple product has ZERO Samsung components.
Ah come on, everyone copies everyone especially in the IT industry.
Apple is sorting out their complaints in court as is their right, none the less their relationship with Samsung as a component supplier has been mutually benefitial and will likely continue.
Samsung is a huge organisation with multiple seperate departments and divisions.
Just because I don't like the lady that serves the tea in the office does not mean that I'm going to avoid any product that has association with Kenco!
Pulling your business is how Apple can hit Samsung hardest.
Ah come on, everyone copies everyone especially in the IT industry.
He's trolling; best to ignore him.