In public, the big smartphone competition may be between Apple and Samsung, but behind the scenes the faltering Samsung has another battle on its hands: with rival manufacturer TSMC over who gets to build the A9 processor for the next generation iPhone.
And while Samsung is decisively losing the battle to sell the most smartphones in the marketplace, the A9 chip orders could be one clash it is going to emerge victorious from!
On Sunday, South Korea’s MK Business Newspaper claimed that Samsung is set to grab a whopping 75 percent of Apple’s SoC (system-on-a-chip) orders for its upcoming A9 processor. This will allegedly be so that Apple can take advantage of Samsung’s advanced 14-nanometer FinFET fabrication process.
It was previously reported that Samsung also proved willing to slash its prices to land Apple’s business — while rival TSMC held fast on their initially quoted prices.
While a Samsung victory would be bad news for those looking to see Apple ditch its long-time frenemy (a move that would hit Samsung particularly hard at a time when its mobile business is in the toilet), there is one bright spot. The SoC fabrication would reportedly take place in Austin, Texas, meaning more iOS device production being brought to the U.S.
Given that Apple was trying to do something similar with its aborted sapphire manufacturing in Mesa, Arizona, this would be a welcome move if true. Even if it does mean that Samsung wins this particular round.
Via: Apple Insider
