Apple readies new A7 chip for manufacturing

Published March 15, 2013 2:52am

The A7, Apple Inc.'s next-generation processor for its upcoming devices, may take the final step leading to production this month, a Taiwan-based tech site reported.

DigiTimes said Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) may ready the A7 on a 20-nm process in March and then move to risk production in May or June.

Citing industry sources, it added commercial shipments may start in the first quarter of 2014.

It added its sources said TSMC plans to expand its production facilities at the Tainan Science Park, with an investment of NT$500 billion (US$16.87 billion).

Also, it said TSMC has set a capex budget of US$9 billion for 2013, up from US$8.3 billion spent in the previous year. About 90% out of the capex for 2013 will be used to ramp up TSMC's 28nm capacity.

A separate report on tech site CNET said the A7 will use TSMC's future 20-nanometer manufacturing process.

CNET noted Apple is now designing products based on the 20-nanometer process.

Presently, it said bitter rival Samsung has been the only manufacturer of Apple's A-series processors for the iPhone and iPad.

"But Apple has been looking to diversity beyond Samsung. Down the road, that diversification could also include Intel. One school of thought has Intel making chips for Apple on its 14-nanometer process, possibly in 2014," it said. — TJD, GMA News

Tags: apple, microchip