TSMC to Remain Key Apple Supplier for A9 Chip Production?

Previous reports indicated that Apple would be relying more on Samsung for production of next-generation A9 chips; however, a new report from Taipei Times (via MacRumors) claims that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), not Samsung, will be Apple's primary A9 chip supplier.

Current A8 chip production is shared between Samsung and TSMC, with a majority (70%) of production sourced from TSMC. Despite previous reports that Apple would shift production to Samsung for next-generation chips, Apple may still give a majority of A9 chip orders to TSMC because of its better yields.

“The two companies’ technological capabilities are similar, so the key factor will be whose mass-production yield is better,” said MIC director Chris Hung.


Back in July it was first reported that Samsung has landed the orders for Apple's 14nm A9 Processor. A report in October reiterated that Samsung would be using a FinFet process that uses 35% less electricity, has 20% more processing power, and uses 15% less space than 20-nm chips. Just a few weeks ago, another report claimed that Samsung had begun early production for Apple's A9 processors.

While one company may win a majority of the orders, Apple likes to spread its orders across multiple suppliers in an effort to cut down on risk. Apple's A9 chips will likely find its way into next-generation iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad in 2015.