14 DAY TRIAL // The next-generation iPhone (or iPhones, if the latest rumors are to be believed) will employ an advanced applications processor created by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the same chip maker handling the fingerprint sensor production for the phone.
Rumors abound that Apple this year may roll out its iPhone 6 sooner, around summer. But if recent reports from the Far East are any indication, no such changes are being planned.
According to one of the most recent reports, iPhone 6 is still on schedule for release in fall 2014.
DigiTimes is reporting that TSMC will be making some of the parts for the iPhone 6 starting in mid-2014, which means that device assembly won’t be able to begin until the end of summer.
“Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reportedly will begin producing fingerprint sensors for Apple's next-generation iPhone at its 12-inch fab using a 65nm process in the second quarter of 2014, according to industry sources.
“Meanwhile, TSMC will also begin to produce application processors for Apple soon using a 20nm process, said the sources, noting that the production of APs will be ramped up significantly starting the third quarter.”
In other words, expect the iPhone 6 to roll out sometime in autumn 2014.
That’s not to say Apple can’t announce the phone(s) sooner. In fact, the first-generation iPhone was unveiled by Steve Jobs in January of 2007, whereas shipments only started in June of that same year.
That’s almost half a year between the announcement and the actual, physical launch of the handset. Surely Apple can handle a three-month hype-filled waiting time this year.
In fact, it would give people a lot of time to speculate on the features, while analysts could project their sales estimates months ahead of launch. Apple could only benefit from this kind of attention.