In a report tonight by Reuters, Taiwan-based TSMC has started trial manufacturing of the next generation A6 processors, adding fuel to reports from two weeks ago that Samsung could be losing its biggest customer. TMSC has experience with ARM architecture, making them a suitable candidate to help build on Apple’s existing A5 chip technology.
The source said on Friday that whether TSMC would get actual orders for the chips would depend on its yield rate, or the amount of chips per batch that come out with no defects.
“TSMC has got all the authorization and details ready. Whether Apple puts in a formal order will depend on the yield rate,” the source said.
If TMSC pulls through with their trial production and can prove to Apple they can become a viable replacement for Samsung, it will be massive blow to the South Korean conglomerate. Apple has invested almost $8 billion dollars in Samsung, but given their current ongoing legal battles (with Apple accusing Samsung of copying their iPhone/iPad designs).
The next generation iPhone 5 is rumoured to house the A5 processor, currently powering the iPad 2. Apple utilized the A4 chip that powered the original iPad into the iPhone 4. If history repeats itself, it’s a no-brainer the next iPhone will follow suit and employ the dual-core A5.
