Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is thinking about the future of technology. The Cupertino-based company is focusing on the creation of next-generation processors which will likely be used in future smartphones.
Reports Suggest Small Production of A8
The A7 processor is predicted to be featured in the iPhone 5S. The company is also reportedly working with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company(TSMC) to create A8, A9, and A9X processors. DigiTimes reports that TSMC and Global UniChip (IC design service partner) made a three-year agreement with Apple to supply foundry services next A-series chips built using the following process nodes 10nm, 16nm, and 20nm.
iPhone 6 could also use A8 Chips
The same report says the A8 processor will go into small volume production next month, which might indicate that Apple wants to give the iPad 5 a little bit more power. However, these processors could also be used for future iPhones like the iPhone 6 or a larger iPhone phablet.
Although the A8 processor will go into production this year, the A9 and A9X most likely won’t go into production until the latter part of 2014. This year has been a bit different for Apple. It’s probable that the iPhone 5S will arrive sometime in the late summer or early autumn. It’s also predicted that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may release the iPhone Mini sometime this year. The purported iPhone Mini would be a budget-friendly version of the iPhone and could come in an array of bright colors much like the iPod Touch.
Uncomfirmed Reports of A9 Processors
At press time, nothing has been confirmed. DigiTimes’ source reported, “In response, both TSMC and Global Unichip said they do not comment on customer orders and statuses. A portion of the upcoming production capacity, estimated at 20,000 wafers, can later be upgraded to process wafers used to build 16nm chips, the sources continued. TSMC is scheduled to volume produce the Apple A9 and A9X processors starting the end of third-quarter 2014, the sources said.”
It appears that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is keeping their focus on improving their smartphone which is a smart idea if they want to continue to compete against Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) and other Android competitors.
