iPhone 6 Rumors: A8 Chip Enters Into Production at TSMC
The iPhone 6 will include the newly designed A8 chip that has reportedly entered into production recently, according to rumors.
The component will be manufactured by TSMC and will be made specifically for the iPhone 6 which will debut later this year. The Taiwan publication known as Commercial Times reported this information.
"The world's leading contract microchip maker last month started producing the A8 chip, which is tipped to power the expected iPhone 6," read the report which cited supply chain sources for it information.
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It also claims that the new 20-nanometer A8 will include a quad-core 64-bit processor and quad-core graphics. The chips earlier start in production could lead to a Q3 release for the iPhone 6.
The iPhone 6 release date is scheduled for fall. Apple's sapphire supplier for its plant in Mesa, Ariz., GT Advance Technologies Inc., claimed that it will return to profitability towards the end of this year which could be a result of a fall iPhone 6 release.
"Our results for the December quarter were in line with our guidance, and the anticipated growth trajectory of our business remains unchanged," said Tom Gutierrez, president and CEO at GT Advance Technologies. "We expect to return to profitability during the second half of 2014."
The reason they expect this is because sales and mass production of the iPhone 6 in the fall will bring them much-needed revenue. The two companies partnered up and built a manufacturing plant in Arizona which will most likely be used to supply Apple with sapphire for iPhone 6 displays.
GT could also be referring to the iWatch, which is also expected to launch sometime later this year. However, a fall iPhone launch is not that far-fetched considering the last three iPhones were released during that time of year.
