A new report says Apple’s chip manufacturing partners Samsung and TSMC have begun volume production of the A9 processor destined for use in the upcoming “iPhone 6s” handsets this fall.
… according to DigiTimes. The report claims Apple requested last-minute changes to the chip layout, requiring both chipmakers to rework wafers, but the modifications are not expected to impact the release schedule of the next-generation iPhone.
While it should be noted that DigiTimes has a somewhat spotty track record with reports on Apple’s upcoming plans, they do have decent connections in Apple’s supply chain, and the timing for A9 production is reasonable, considering the usual early fall debut of new iPhones.
TSMC will reportedly begin mass production of the A9 based on a 16nm process in the fourth quarter of this year, and will also manufacture fingerprint sensors and audio chips for Apple’s handsets.
A number of reports have floated around the web-o-sphere in recent months, offering conflicting reports on who would be responsible for the lion’s share of A9 chip production. However, this report indicates TSMC and Samsung will share the duties.
Apple’s “iPhone 6s” and “iPhone 6s Plus” are expected to be unveiled in September, and while sporting the same screen sizes as the present-day 6 and 6 Plus models, will reportedly boast the faster A9 with 2GB of RAM, Force Touch, a faster LTE chip, and an improved 12-megapixel rear-facing camera.
