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Samsung Starts Manufacturing Apple's A9 Chip for 2015 iOS Devices
Manufacturing of Apple's A9 processor is reportedly underway in Samsung's Austin, Texas plant, according to Korea's ET News (via The Verge). Samsung is believed to be handling the bulk of the orders for the A9 using its 14-nanometer chip process, with rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) contributing a supplementary supply.
Samsung and TSMC have been competing for Apple's lucrative A9 processor contract after Apple in 2013 signed a multi-year deal with Taiwan's TSMC to supply A-series processors for Apple's iOS devices. TSMC took lead on the A8 chip, fabricating the SoC for both the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. The Taiwanese company also reportedly landed the contract to produce Apple's A8X chip, which is found in the new iPad Air 2.
Samsung semiconductor head Kim Ki-nam last month confirmed the company would begin producing 14-nanometer processors for Apple in a supply chain deal that will have a positive impact on Samsung's profits. A report from last year suggestsed TSMC would replace Samsung as Apple's lead chip supplier, but Samsung's technological progress with its 14-nanometer process may have swung the pendulum back in its favor.
Samsung and TSMC have been competing for Apple's lucrative A9 processor contract after Apple in 2013 signed a multi-year deal with Taiwan's TSMC to supply A-series processors for Apple's iOS devices. TSMC took lead on the A8 chip, fabricating the SoC for both the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. The Taiwanese company also reportedly landed the contract to produce Apple's A8X chip, which is found in the new iPad Air 2.
Samsung semiconductor head Kim Ki-nam last month confirmed the company would begin producing 14-nanometer processors for Apple in a supply chain deal that will have a positive impact on Samsung's profits. A report from last year suggestsed TSMC would replace Samsung as Apple's lead chip supplier, but Samsung's technological progress with its 14-nanometer process may have swung the pendulum back in its favor.
Tag: etnews.co.kr
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45 months ago
Of course Apple needs Samsung. Apple knows where Superiority is located :)
Apple need Samsung and Samsung need Apple. Apple needs a manufacturer for components, and Samsung need "inspiration" :P
Such an awkward relationship ;)
45 months ago
The A-series of chips don't get enough recognition IMO.
They are incredible to say the least. Bespoke, super fast, tiny and get consistently better with each iteration, rivalling and often out-performing even the most experienced players in the mobile processor market seemingly with ease.
They are the core of Apple's most successful product lines and deservedly so, too. Congratulations to Apple and all those involved for such a truly innovative technological marvel. :apple:
They are incredible to say the least. Bespoke, super fast, tiny and get consistently better with each iteration, rivalling and often out-performing even the most experienced players in the mobile processor market seemingly with ease.
They are the core of Apple's most successful product lines and deservedly so, too. Congratulations to Apple and all those involved for such a truly innovative technological marvel. :apple:
45 months ago
Of course Apple needs Samsung. Apple knows where Superiority is located :)
Clearly not in your schooling. Do you guys actually come on here to bitch about Apple and expect us to care? Or are you paid by the post as you do make a lot of Anti-Apple - pro Samsung posts. You ain't fooling anyone.
Actually I am not feeding you... go away.
45 months ago
Of course Apple needs Samsung. Apple knows where Superiority is located :)
Yep, their sales show how superior they are.
45 months ago
The A-series of chips don't get enough recognition IMO.
They are incredible to say the least. Bespoke, super fast, tiny and get consistently better with each iteration, rivalling and often out-performing even the most experienced players in the mobile processor market seemingly with ease.
They are the core of Apple's most successful product lines and deservedly so, too. Congratulations to Apple and all those involved for such a truly innovative technological marvel. :apple:
Well said!
Many forget the hot and cold years of the G3, G4, and G5 which saw Apple arrive at the bleeding edge only to fall back into obsolescence. Not a few forum members will recall the liquid-cooled PowerBook G5. ;)
To see them lead the entire industry, year after year, with custom silicon is a sight to behold.
45 months ago
in the past the ipad chips have maintained similar CPU processing power, with beefed up graphics.
this year, the A8x is almost a generation jump away from the A8 in the CPU side of things.
In fact, A8 --> A8X jump is significantly more massive than A7 -> A8.
Not sure what you mean. The A5 to A6 and A6 to A7 doubled both CPU and GPU performance. The A7 to A8X did 2.5x in GPU performance but only 40% more in CPU. This is the first generation where the CPU and GPU weren't doubled from the A7 to A8. It was more focused on power consumption. Because the A8 only gave 25% more CPU and 40% more GPU, I think that is the reason why they needed to do an A8X to beef up that 40% graphics.
45 months ago
Korean company, manufactures in Austin, TX.
Hated by Americans.
American company, manufactures in China.
Loved by Americans.
:apple:
Hated by Americans.
American company, manufactures in China.
Loved by Americans.
:apple:
45 months ago
So will all the people here who say they refuse to buy Samsung products also refuse to purchase the iPhone 6S?
Didn't think so.
I wonder if they are still hoping Samsung goes out of business? :eek:
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