14 DAY TRIAL // 2014 is drawing to a close with conflicting reports regarding the mass production of Apple’s upcoming A9 SoCs for the iPhone 6S. The latest industry rumors suggest it’s TSMC not Samsung which stands a better chance to win the bulk of orders from Apple.
For the past month, analysts in the Far East have released insightful research notes detailing their projections for iPhone 6S chip production. While the phone’s launch date remains a mystery, everyone pretty much agrees that Samsung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company are duking it out to win a special place in Apple’s heart through yield rates.
Yields over process
The former is capable of a 14 nanometer process, while the latter’s manufacturing revolves around a 16 nanometer process. The difference is negligible, making yield rates the top priority for Apple.
TSMC is reportedly capable of a greater output, according to analyst Chris Hung, cited by the Taipei Times this week.
“The two companies' technological capabilities are similar, so the key factor will be whose mass-production yield is better,” MIC director Chris Hung said. Hung added that “because of its better yields,” TSMC has greater chances to remain the top supplier.
He also noted that “Apple tends to spread the risks,” meaning the company never relies on a single supplier to produce the vital parts for a hot-selling device. Therefore, Hung said, “it is likely that the winning supplier of A9 will not take all the orders.”
“Early 2015” rumors
It has been said that Apple wants to speed up the refresh cycle of the iPhone to better compete with Samsung, as well as to couple the Apple Watch rollout with a new iPhone announcement, in order to draw more attention to its wearable computer.
The move would clear out the second half of the year to make room for the iPhone 7 release, according to some analysts. There is little to no evidence that this is happening, but it’s not entirely far fetched. In other words, there’s a chance Apple will debut its next-generation iPhone in the next 3-to-5 months.
