Analyst: Apple could equip 5.5" 'iPhone 6' with more powerful processor than 4.7" model
As the supposed September unveiling of Apple's next-generation iPhone lineup draws nearer, at least one Wall Street analyst believes that the component makeup of the rumored 5.5-inch and 4.7-inch "iPhone 6" variants will diverge when it comes to their application processors and touch modules.
TSMC's 12-inch wafer fab
Cowen & Co. analyst Timothy Arcuri cited Asian supply chain checks when making the prediction in a Monday morning note to investors. A copy of the report was provided to AppleInsider.
Arcuri's sources signaled that the 5.5-inch iPhone will feature a more powerful application processor than its smaller sibling, though no details were given as to the disparity. Apple has made similar moves in the past; the A7 processor in the iPad Air is clocked at 1.39 gigahertz, for instance, compared to 1.29 gigahertz for the otherwise-identical part in the iPad mini with Retina display.
There is some indication that the difference could be more than semantic, however. Arcuri also said that the processor in the 5.5-inch model could ship with a larger die, hinting at a more wide-ranging architectural split.
A larger die might be a sign that the 5.5-inch model will feature additional on-die silicon, such as a larger array of graphics processing cores. Alternatively, it might suggest that Apple will make the two chips -- believed to be the "A8" -- in different fabrication plants using different processes.
At least one rumor previously suggested that Apple would split A8 manufacturing between Taiwanese semiconductor giant TSMC and South Korea-based Samsung, though further reports indicated that TSMC had instead won the full order.
In addition the processor differences, Arcuri believes that both iPhone 6 models could sport different touch modules. Taipei-based TPK currently supplies touch modules for the iPhone, though a change could be in the works as the company is said to have been chosen as the manufacturer of silver nanowire-based parts for the so-called "iWatch."
TSMC's 12-inch wafer fab
Cowen & Co. analyst Timothy Arcuri cited Asian supply chain checks when making the prediction in a Monday morning note to investors. A copy of the report was provided to AppleInsider.
Arcuri's sources signaled that the 5.5-inch iPhone will feature a more powerful application processor than its smaller sibling, though no details were given as to the disparity. Apple has made similar moves in the past; the A7 processor in the iPad Air is clocked at 1.39 gigahertz, for instance, compared to 1.29 gigahertz for the otherwise-identical part in the iPad mini with Retina display.
There is some indication that the difference could be more than semantic, however. Arcuri also said that the processor in the 5.5-inch model could ship with a larger die, hinting at a more wide-ranging architectural split.
A larger die might be a sign that the 5.5-inch model will feature additional on-die silicon, such as a larger array of graphics processing cores. Alternatively, it might suggest that Apple will make the two chips -- believed to be the "A8" -- in different fabrication plants using different processes.
At least one rumor previously suggested that Apple would split A8 manufacturing between Taiwanese semiconductor giant TSMC and South Korea-based Samsung, though further reports indicated that TSMC had instead won the full order.
In addition the processor differences, Arcuri believes that both iPhone 6 models could sport different touch modules. Taipei-based TPK currently supplies touch modules for the iPhone, though a change could be in the works as the company is said to have been chosen as the manufacturer of silver nanowire-based parts for the so-called "iWatch."
Comments
Apple can barely manage to get this iPhone and iOS launch done, and its at the expense of just about every other product or potential product.
They are not working on TWO new chips. Delete this "rumor". At the most, this refers to slightly different clock speeds of the same chip.
The 5.5" iPhone 6 is fake.
Bored this morning?
However, I think the A7 allowed Apple to combine both increased performance (suitable for the iPad) and reduced power consumption (for the iPhone) into a single device. I don't see them going back to making an A8/A8X.
Apple Anal-cyst here!
I can also make predictions.
My Supply chain checks indicates that Apple is going to equip all of their iPhone 6 variants with the same Ax processor. Now how do I get paid?
Also, of course they could not just as easily.
Could? Yes.
Would? No.
I'm still not convinced a 5.5" device exists, or if if does that Apple is considering it just a larger iPhone. If there's going to be differentiation, IMO it will be a completely different device with a specific purpose, like perhaps mobile gaming. Or maybe in an ironic twist it will have pen support ala the Galaxy Note.
Barely manage to get this launch done? Now who's buying into rumors?
The 5.5" iPhone 6 is fake.
This is exactly what I've been thinking. There is scant evidence for a 5.5" model. It's as though the rumor of such has been generated to ensure that there will be disappointment at the Sept iPhone 6 introduction with the goal being to crash the stock.
Just like they did with the iPad Air and iPad mini?
Apple can barely manage to get this iPhone and iOS launch done, and its at the expense of just about every other product or potential product.
They are not working on TWO new chips. Delete this "rumor". At the most, this refers to slightly different clock speeds of the same chip.
Where does that ridiculous comment come from? Apple has been successfully launching products on time for years. What would make you say they "can't get it done"? For years, Apple has launched products in September with clearly stated and hit delivery dates. What products are they at the expense of?
I would be surprised, however, if their prices are the same or nearly the same. Apple would benefit financially by dividing the iPhone market into "superior" and "premium" segments -- one priced at $649 and the other priced at $749 or $799. Apple's incremental cost of a premium model might be $50, more or less, while its incremental revenue would be two or three times that amount.
I just hope they don't botch it like they did the 5c. That model looked little different from a host of other smartphones and was overpriced in comparison to the 5s. Making the Best have a larger screen and more power, the Better a mid-sized screen, and keeping the 5s (but not 5c) available for Good would work better.
Apple's real problem lies with how contract-subsidized marketing currently works. Even a $199 to $0 difference between the Best and Good models may not be enough to cover the differences. The monthly contract for Better may need to cost more than that for the Good. It might even make sense to make that the only difference.
Apple's also being missing the boat by showing iPhones and iPads being used in all sorts of outdoor activities without having a Sport model with an impressive waterproof, drop-proof Milspec rating.
It's every inch an iPad.
So much wrong in this comment.
1. iPhone MS isn't that large. They have a good, better, best already. Designing for everyone is designing for no one. Can't please everyone so don't waste time trying.
2. How was the 5C botched? It outsold what the 4S did last year.
3. Apple doesn't have a problem. Why would the plans change according to device?
4. Lots of people use their iPhones outdoors and have no problems. Sport version is a marketing gimmick.
My prediction is the 5.5" will come with a rainbow vomiting unicorn.