Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
TSMC Provides First Batch of Fingerprint Sensors for iPhone 6, iPad Air 2, and iPad Mini 3
Apple supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has reportedly provided the first batch of Touch ID fingerprint sensors to be used in the iPhone 6, iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3, according to a new report from component information website cecb2b.com citing supply chain sources (Google Translate, via GforGames).
In addition to production at TSMC, the report notes that the fingerprint sensors are being assembled by TSMC subsidiaries Xintec and Suzhou Crystal Semiconductor. A report in January noted that TSMC would begin production on the sensors sometime in the second quarter of this year with a new 12-inch fab processing method, however a report in February stated that TSMC would be using the same 8-inch fingerprint sensor processing method that was used for the iPhone 5s.
The inclusion of Touch ID on the next-generation iPad Air and Retina iPad Mini would also fall in line with predictions from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who noted that both devices would gain the feature alongside processor upgrades and various other improvements.
Apple's head start on Touch ID fingerprint sensor production will likely help the launch supplies of all three devices. The component was said to be a key factor contributing to the limited supplies of the iPhone 5s at its launch last September, with low yield rates at Xintec and iOS 7-sensor integration slowing production.
In addition to production at TSMC, the report notes that the fingerprint sensors are being assembled by TSMC subsidiaries Xintec and Suzhou Crystal Semiconductor. A report in January noted that TSMC would begin production on the sensors sometime in the second quarter of this year with a new 12-inch fab processing method, however a report in February stated that TSMC would be using the same 8-inch fingerprint sensor processing method that was used for the iPhone 5s.
The inclusion of Touch ID on the next-generation iPad Air and Retina iPad Mini would also fall in line with predictions from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who noted that both devices would gain the feature alongside processor upgrades and various other improvements.
Apple's head start on Touch ID fingerprint sensor production will likely help the launch supplies of all three devices. The component was said to be a key factor contributing to the limited supplies of the iPhone 5s at its launch last September, with low yield rates at Xintec and iOS 7-sensor integration slowing production.
Related Roundups: iPad mini 5, iPad
Tags: TSMC, cecb2b.com
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Buy Now), iPad (Don't Buy)
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65 months ago
I'm still not seeing the value of a fingerprint sensor on an iPad.
Look a little harder?
65 months ago
I'm still not seeing the value of a fingerprint sensor on an iPad.
I´m seeing lots of value in a fast reliable fingerprint sensor in iMacs, Macbooks, iPads, iPhones and iPods.
65 months ago
I don't get all these sites claiming this Ming-Chi Kuo is "very reliable". He makes the most obvious predictions, what do you expect? "All iPads and iPhones from now on will have Touch ID". You don't say?
Edit: He also said that the 5.5" 64GB variant is the only one that will have a sapphire display. Well, I predict that a) There won't be a 5.5" variant; b) Apple won't include a sapphire display on a specific variant while leaving the other models with "regular" glass, making the whole iPhone line fragmented. Let's see which one of us gets this right.
Edit: He also said that the 5.5" 64GB variant is the only one that will have a sapphire display. Well, I predict that a) There won't be a 5.5" variant; b) Apple won't include a sapphire display on a specific variant while leaving the other models with "regular" glass, making the whole iPhone line fragmented. Let's see which one of us gets this right.
65 months ago
I'm still not seeing the value of a fingerprint sensor on an iPad.
Multiplie user logins in iOS 8 would be a good starting point.
65 months ago
Multiplie user logins in iOS 8 would be a good starting point.
Ain't gonna happen.
65 months ago
I skipped iPad Air this year for TouchID if Apple will give iPad air touch ID this year then ill be spending a lot on Unlocked iPhone 6 and 64 GB iPad Air 2.:cool:
65 months ago
I'm still not seeing the value of a fingerprint sensor on an iPad.
Perhaps I'm the minority and my faith is misplaced, but I use the iCloud Keychain extensively on my iPad. Which means Touch ID is essential for me. Yes, I could still use Keychain without a passcode, but I'm not taking any chances.
65 months ago
What's a "bazels"?
Must be a typo. I'm thinking he means Bagels. I love bagels. :DWe need more bagels!
65 months ago
I own iPhone 5S since November and still haven't test the famous Fingerprint functionality ;)
Erm, okay. Why not? I use it all the time, works great.
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