TSMC goes for Apple chips
TSMC has started trial manufacturing of next generation A6 chips for Apple Inc, according to a market source, in a sign that the iPad maker is shifting from its traditional chip supplier, Samsung Electronics. 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, the source said.
Samsung is the sole supplier of the A5 chips used in the iPad 2, but Apple has hinted it is keen to diversify its supply chain from the Korean company. Samsung has emerged as Apple's toughest competitor in the smartphone and tablet market and is involved in an acrimonious legal battle with Apple over patents.
"TSMC has got all the authorisation and details ready. Whether Apple puts in a formal order will depend on the yield rate. TSMC was all set to become a supplier of some processor chips to Apple, likely starting next year. However the chip may not be called A6," industry source claimed.
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