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.
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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.
Top Rated Comments
Apple need Samsung and Samsung need Apple. Apple needs a manufacturer for components, and Samsung need "inspiration" :P
Such an awkward relationship ;)
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:
Actually I am not feeding you... go away.
Yep, their sales show how superior they are.
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.