Apple Decreases Its Dependence On Samsung, Signs Chip Deal With TSMC
by Joe White
June 29, 2013
Apple is said to have signed-off on an iDevice chip deal with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), according to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal.
Earlier this week, we heard from DigiTimes that the two companies had signed a three-year deal, and that as a result, TSMC would be supplying Apple with the "A8" chips for future iDevices.
Now, The Wall Street Journal has weighed-in with a similar report, claiming that Apple and TSMC have indeed struck an important deal:
As early as 2010, Apple and TSMC started discussing working together to build the chips, say the TSMC executives. In 2011, TSMC senior executive Chiang Shang-yi met Apple officials to discuss collaborating on the complex process. Apple asked to invest in TSMC, or to have TSMC set aside factory space dedicated to Apple chips, the executives say. TSMC Chairman Morris Chang rejected both requests because the company wanted to maintain its independence and manufacturing flexibility, the executives say. TSMC plans to start mass-producing the chips early next year using advanced “20-nanometer” technology, which makes the chips potentially smaller and more energy-efficient.With Apple's iPhone continuing to suffer at the dominance of Android-powered Samsung handsets, and the two companies locked in countless courtroom battles, it's no surprise that the Cupertino, Calif. company is looking to heavily reduce such reliance on its rival. Back in March, a similar report surfaced indicating that Apple is also looking to move iDevice display production away from Samsung, and has instead enlisted the help of LG Display, Sharp, Japan Display, and AU Optronics. We'll keep you updated with further information as we receive it. In the meantime, see: The First iPhone Hit Store Shelves Six Years Ago Today, Contra: Evolution Is The First Official Contra Game To Hit The App Store, and This Week In Accessories: Withings Pulse, PocketPlug And More.
