China’s Economic Daily News claims Apple partner Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is ahead of schedule with its next-generation 16nm process for chip production. [Google Translate, via Digitimes]
The Chinese-language report claims TSMC will begin 16nm volume production in Q1 2015, a full quarter earlier than its originally projected Q2 2015 start. This advancement may pave the way for TSMC to supply Apple with the future A9 processor that would be used in the late 2015 iPhone.
TSMC is reported to be installing 16nm capability in its plants. This will give them a monthly output potential of 50,000 wafers. This may give TSMC a leg up against Samsung in the battle to be the go-to supplier for Apple’s A-Series processors for use in the company’s iPhone and iPad mobile devices.
It has been previously reported that Samsung, GlobalFoundries and TSMC would share production of Apple’s A9 chip in 2015. However, TSMC’s accelerated program may tip the scales in their balance if this report proves accurate.
