Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
iPhone 6s Uses Different-Sized A9 Chips From Samsung and TSMC
Ahead of the launch of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, there were rumors suggesting both TSMC and Samsung were developing Apple's A9 chip for the device. There was some confusion over how the split would work, because the two companies used different technologies - TSMC was rumored to be using a 16-nanometer process while Samsung used a 14-nanometer process.
Chipworks has now confirmed via several iPhone 6s teardowns that the new devices do indeed contain application processors from both Samsung and TSMC. Comparatively, the die size of the Samsung processor is smaller than the die size of the TSMC processor.
The APL0898 chip was developed by Samsung and measures in at 96 square millimeters, while the APL1022 chip manufactured by TSMC measures in at 104.5 square millimeters. Chipworks suggests Apple's decision to use processors from both companies points towards "major sourcing problems," but over the last few years, Apple has opted to diversify its supply chain to prevent manufacturing hurdles that can potentially lead to delays.
It is not yet clear how the size difference between the chips will affect the performance of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, but Chipworks plans to benchmark each of the processors to figure out whether iPhones equipped with Samsung chips and those equipped with TSMC chips perform differently.
Chipworks has now confirmed via several iPhone 6s teardowns that the new devices do indeed contain application processors from both Samsung and TSMC. Comparatively, the die size of the Samsung processor is smaller than the die size of the TSMC processor.
The APL0898 chip was developed by Samsung and measures in at 96 square millimeters, while the APL1022 chip manufactured by TSMC measures in at 104.5 square millimeters. Chipworks suggests Apple's decision to use processors from both companies points towards "major sourcing problems," but over the last few years, Apple has opted to diversify its supply chain to prevent manufacturing hurdles that can potentially lead to delays.
It is not yet clear how the size difference between the chips will affect the performance of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, but Chipworks plans to benchmark each of the processors to figure out whether iPhones equipped with Samsung chips and those equipped with TSMC chips perform differently.
[ 469 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
48 months ago
Oh God... It's coming isn't it.
Exchanges for a different chip model. Complaints about battery life being different.
"My one gets 1 degree hotter than my brother's. Is this a major problem?"
EDIT:
Waiting for: http://stevejobswouldnever.com/
Exchanges for a different chip model. Complaints about battery life being different.
"My one gets 1 degree hotter than my brother's. Is this a major problem?"
EDIT:
Waiting for: http://stevejobswouldnever.com/
48 months ago
Seriously? That many people read MacRumors or other tech sites and will be concerned about this? Jeezus people just enjoy your devices and stop looking for problems!
48 months ago
I totally knew that. 2 processors... 2 different companies... 2 nanometers more...
Half Life 2 confirmed.
Half Life 2 confirmed.
48 months ago
Is this why i've been experiencing stuttering and freezing occasionally?
Probably not, you might want to see your doctor about that.
48 months ago
If Apple can't fulfil the demand when a new device is released, people complain.
If Apple sources components from two different manufacturers to alleviate supply constraints, people complain.
I think the only way people will be satisfied is if Apple recruits Albus Dumbledore himself to make the phones by magic.
If Apple sources components from two different manufacturers to alleviate supply constraints, people complain.
I think the only way people will be satisfied is if Apple recruits Albus Dumbledore himself to make the phones by magic.
48 months ago
LOL. I'll be damned if my 7 is slower or has worst battery life than another 7. Lots of returns incoming
Where did you get an iPhone 7 from bro?
48 months ago
Oh for crying out loud, this is going to drive the picky people crazy. I will state for the record I do not give a flying fig, pig or poo which of the two manufacturers made my chip. So far my IPhone runs great and it's my favorite iPhone since my beloved iPhone 4. Well done to whomever made the chip that's in it.
48 months ago
Is this why i've been experiencing stuttering and freezing occasionally?
no
no
no
no no no no no
no
please stop the dumbness.
[ Read All Comments ]
Smart home company Tado has announced an updated version of its Smart AC Controller that includes Apple HomeKit support out of the box.
Available today in the U.K. and other European...
National Australia Bank (NAB) today announced support for Apple Pay, allowing NAB customers with a Visa Card to make purchases using the Apple Pay payments service.
NAB, a former notable Apple...
MacRumors readers have a chance to save on a collection of Anker accessories this week, thanks to our latest exclusive sale with the popular accessory maker. This time around our sale includes up to...
Hyper today announced the launch of its new HyperJuice 130W Dual USB-C Battery Pack, which is now available for purchase following a successful crowdfunding campaign.
The new HyperJuice Battery...
Microsoft today announced the launch of a preview or canary build of its Microsoft Edge browser designed for the macOS operating system.
Microsoft Edge for macOS can be installed from the...
Pandora today launched a new desktop app for Mac, aimed at all Pandora listeners across both its free and paid tiers. Similar to its mobile apps, Pandora for Mac allows for full access to Pandora...
United States Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai said this week that he would recommend approval of the merger between T-Mobile and Sprint (via Bloomberg). The news comes after...
Lutron, a new "Friends of Hue" partner, today announced the launch of the Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer, a Hue accessory that's designed to be placed over a traditional toggle light switch to...
