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.
Tagged ‘A6’
A storied history filled with lawsuits is hardly the foundation for a strong business partnership. In the case of Apple and Samsung, it appears the bickering has finally resulting in a change of hands for Apple’s processor production. The successor to the A5, currently residing in the iPad 2 and upcoming iPhone 4S/5, will not be produced by Samsung. According to 9to5Mac, Taiwan-based manufacturer TSMC has stepped in to replace Samsung and produce the A6 chip.
While we know that the iPhone 5 can’t really be described as delayed since it’s still an unreleased, unconfirmed product, the latest rumour to emerge from China is still worth taking a look at.
Chinese-language tech site Sohu.com claims problems with putting the A5 chip into a smaller package are behind this year’s longer wait for a new iPhone.
Though the suggestions should be treated with a significant pinch of salt, they once again raise the prospect of an iPhone 4S delivering a minor upgrade on the current model in September with the iPhone 5 not arriving until 2012. Read on for full details on this somewhat surprising new theory…
