The successor to the 1GHz dual-core A5 processor powering the iPad 2 has just begun trial production. The custom designed, high performance, lower power system-on-a-chip (SoC) is unlike years past — Apple is using Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. instead of Samsung. According to the Taiwan Economic News report, the A6 processors will be 28-nanometer SoCs that feature dual-cores and ARM-based architecture.
According to multiple anonymous industry sources, the A6 processors will be release in the second quarter next year at earliest. The move from Samsung to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. comes following the patent disputes which have sidelined the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in parts of Europe and Australia. While shocking, reports dating back to June have hinted that Apple and Samsung would soon part ways for processor production.
For now, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is beginning a trial run. As the world’s largest contract microchip manufacturer it’s safe to say Samsung should be worried about lost revenues if Apple decides to follow through with the Taiwan-based company.
via BGR
