If this morning’s report from TechNews Taiwan, is correct, Apple may be relying on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) for all of its A8 processor production in 2014.
Samsung allegedly was dropped as a manufacturer because of low yields in its 20 nm manufacturing process for the A-series processor, while TSMC was able to meet Apple’s demands.
It was reported back in June 2013 that TSMC may provide some A-Series chips for Apple’s iOS devices, starting in 2014. TSMC was said to be looking to handle up to 70% of the load, with Samsung picking up the rest. It appears however, that Samsung may be having production issues, resulting in Samsung being removed completely from the A8 supply chain picture.
Samsung is still expected to share production of the A9 processor with TSMC in 2015. Earlier reports say Samsung is set to supply approximately 40% of the 14-nm A9 chip production in 2015. This latest report indicates Apple may initially go with TSMC and its 16-nm process for A9 production, then move over to Samsung after it has perfected its 14-nm process, and can then meet the demand for the A9 chip.
