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iPhone 6s might be critical for the bottom line of Apple’s main rival

Published Aug 11th, 2015 6:50AM EDT
iPhone 6s Specs Rumors A9

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Apple’s iPhone is one of the best sold mobile devices in the world, and smartphone parts makers are eager to win orders for Apple’s next-gen devices. The iPhone 6s is no different than its predecessors in that regard. Expected to set new sales records for the company, the iPhone 6s family is going to launch in mid-September, with Apple already prepping mass-production for the device. In fact, a new report suggests that suppliers are so eager to please Apple that they’d be willing to offer special treatment to the company.

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TSMC and Samsung are making A9 chips for the next iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, and Digitimes claims that Apple has been asking price cuts for the new processor. Samsung has reportedly agreed to the price discounts, offering Apple “almost-free backend services for the A9 chips.” Samsung is apparently doing all this as it’s looking to win all A9 chip orders at the expense of TSMC, which is included to refuse drop prices.

Recent reports said Apple might sell an impressive number of new iPhones this year, potentially shattering previous records.

Initial rumors suggested that Samsung might be the only A9 chip supplier this year, though newer reports claimed that Apple also included TSMC in its iPhone 6s plans, to make sure it’ll have enough parts on-hand for the iPhone 6s launch.

TSMC says that volume production of its 16nm chip is in line with the schedule, dismissing speculation that the foundry is seeking a cutback of orders from Apple.

The A9 chip is supposed to be faster and more energy-efficient than its predecessors. The chip is built on 16nm (TSMC) and 14/15nm (Samsung) technology.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.