Apple probably isn’t all that happy when Samsung phones sell well to begin with and now it appears that the popularity of Samsung’s Galaxy S6 might also affect Apple’s plans for manufacturing the iPhone 6s.
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You see, the new iPhones will also pack a next-gen A9 processor, a component that Samsung has traditionally been instrumental in producing. But a new note from KGI Securities Ming-Chi Kuo flagged by AppleInsider reveals that Apple might not rely only on Samsung alone for A9 chip production.
Instead, TSMC will also receive 30% of A9 orders, a “last-minute decision” from Apple, as the company wants to prevent “supply uncertainties in the future.”
Apparently, not only is Apple partner GlobalFoundries having poor yields with A9 production, which is, at 30%, but the initial Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge sales are also seen as a risk for Apple’s 2015 iPhone 6s chip needs.
The massive popularity of Samsung’s 2015 flagships might pull 14nm chip orders from Apple, as Samsung is likely interested in making sure it has enough chips available for the Galaxy S6. The Galaxy S6 packs an even faster and more energy-efficient 14nm chip and the iPhone 6s is rumored to have a similarly built processor — though Apple might use both 14nm and 16nm chip designs in next-gen iPhones.
Finally, one other reason for Apple to place a last-minute order with TSMC for its 16nm FinFET chips is the fact that the Taiwanese chipmaker has apparently exceeded Apple’s expectations when it comes to yield rate and performance.
