TSMC reportedly will start producing Apple's A6X SoC in a trial run during this quarter.
The chip is manufactured in 28 nm versus the current commercial 32 nm version and could surface in new iPad models. An upcoming A7 SoC is expected to be built in TSMC's 20 nm process, if the foundry is able to win the manufacturing order, according to the China Times.
TSMC is unlikely to remain the only foundry that is competing for Samsung's production volume as Apple is shifting its contracts away from its partner it has clashed with in court. Industry sources suggested that Globalfoundries especially is heavily bidding to win an Apple contract and Intel apparently has also offered some of its production capacity to build ARM-based processors.
According to the China Times, the 28 nm TSMC-built processors may debut by mid-year in a new 10-inch iPad and then iPad mini 2.
Wolfgang Gruener is an experienced professional in digital strategy and content, specializing in web strategy, content architecture, user experience, and applying AI in content operations within the insurtech industry. His previous roles include Director, Digital Strategy and Content Experience at American Eagle, Managing Editor at TG Daily, and contributing to publications like Tom's Guide and Tom's Hardware.
