Samsung could rejoin Apple's iPhone processor supply with 2018 'A12' chips
Samsung is reportedly intensifying its investments into chip production, with an eye on once again manufacturing A-series processors for Apple starting in 2018.
The company will make "supplemental investments" into its 10-nanometer production lines in April, and build out 7-nanometer facilities in 2018, said South Korea's ET News. The 7-nanometer lines are allegedly meant to get a headstart on Apple's current A-series supplier, TSMC.
TSMC has largely controlled A-series manufacturing since the iPhone 6, though some production for the iPhone 6s was split with Samsung. This year's "iPhone 8" is expected to use a 10-nanometer "A11" chip, once again made exclusively by TSMC.
Apple is likely to be hesitant to turn to Samsung again unless it needs sheer scale to meet demand. The two companies are competitors in phones, tablets, wearables, and laptops, and Samsung's work on the iPhone 6s proved problematic, since its version of the A9 processor was accused of less battery life and more heat than one produced by TSMC.
TSMC is also forecast to enter mass production of 7-nanometer chips sometime in early 2018, possibly rendering Samsung's ambitions moot.
Samsung does supply displays to Apple however, and is believed to making the 5.8-inch OLED screen for the "iPhone 8." That device may also offer upgrades like wireless charging and 3D facial recognition, potentially costing over $1,000 -- indeed, one rumor has referred to it as the "iPhone Edition," drawing parallels with the Apple Watch Edition, which is aimed at Apple's richest shoppers.
The company will make "supplemental investments" into its 10-nanometer production lines in April, and build out 7-nanometer facilities in 2018, said South Korea's ET News. The 7-nanometer lines are allegedly meant to get a headstart on Apple's current A-series supplier, TSMC.
TSMC has largely controlled A-series manufacturing since the iPhone 6, though some production for the iPhone 6s was split with Samsung. This year's "iPhone 8" is expected to use a 10-nanometer "A11" chip, once again made exclusively by TSMC.
Apple is likely to be hesitant to turn to Samsung again unless it needs sheer scale to meet demand. The two companies are competitors in phones, tablets, wearables, and laptops, and Samsung's work on the iPhone 6s proved problematic, since its version of the A9 processor was accused of less battery life and more heat than one produced by TSMC.
TSMC is also forecast to enter mass production of 7-nanometer chips sometime in early 2018, possibly rendering Samsung's ambitions moot.
Samsung does supply displays to Apple however, and is believed to making the 5.8-inch OLED screen for the "iPhone 8." That device may also offer upgrades like wireless charging and 3D facial recognition, potentially costing over $1,000 -- indeed, one rumor has referred to it as the "iPhone Edition," drawing parallels with the Apple Watch Edition, which is aimed at Apple's richest shoppers.
Comments
But if Samsung can offer a better price and/or better performance, then Apple would be foolish not to go with Samsung. Because at the end of the day, it's about making the best product you can.
Apple's A12 will be produced in TSMC's 7nm process for sure.
We can discuss A13 in a year from now....
PS:
From the etnews article:
"Samsung Electronics’ goal is to finish investments for […] 7-nano production lines by […] second half of next year or early 2019 respectively.”
I guess, it is time for Sammy to poach another engineer from TSMC, just like they did before.
2018 is TSMC 7nm.
Both are set in stone already. At least for iPhone.
Apple could make iPad SoC with Samsung. But I am not sure if this make any sense. The A10 is already very powerful, limited by heat and power. Assuming no substantial changes of iPad usage pattern, an A12 SoC that scale to 15W could work well for iPad as well.
>>But if Samsung can offer a better price and/or better performance, then Apple would be foolish not to go with Samsung. Because at the end of the day, it's about making the best product you can.
I do think Samsung could sell it at a net zero pricing. But that is unless there aren't enough orders to fill. As it stand today, There isn't an over capacity in Fab industry,
Please die soon.
Much love,
Betrayed former customer ❤︎