Intel Likely To Join TSMC And Samsung As An Apple 'A7' Chip Provider
March 12, 2013
For the first time, Intel is likely to produce some of the chips used in future iOS devices. In this case, it looks like the company could produce up to 10 percent of the so-called “A7” chips, according to DigiTimes.
According to “institutional investors,” three companies are likely to product the A7 chip, which should arrive in future iOS devices. Besides Intel, these include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), and Samsung. Of these, Samsung will receive 50 percent of the business, while TSMC would get 40 percent.
Just last week, Reuters reported that Apple and Intel were in partnership talks that would allow Intel to manufacture Apple-designed chips for future iOS devices. This most recent story suggests that some sort of deal is getting closer to becoming a reality.
Apple once relied solely on Samsung to produce chips. However, this has changed thanks to ongoing litigation between the two companies, and the growing popularity of Samsung's own mobile device business.
TSMC’s production of A7 chips is expected to begin in 2014. The iPhone 5 uses an A6 chip, while the iPad with Retina display comes with an A6X.