[NewsPoster]

Apple has reportedly chosen Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to handle most of the A-series chip manufacturing for its 2014 iPhone lineup, transitioning away from its current reliance on Samsung, unnamed sources have told DigiTimes. The supply-chain sources further claim that Apple is moving toward 14nm and 16nm manufacturing processes for the A-series chips that will be utilized for iPhones in 2015.

The rumors echo earlier reports suggesting that TSMC has signed a multi-year deal to fabricate Apple's upcoming mobile chips, starting with the A8. The Cupertino-based company is said to be diversifying its suppliers following a number of high-profile legal battles with rival Samsung.

Despite the claims of a heavy shift toward TSMC orders, the latest report suggests Apple may need to retain Samsung as a supplier for 14nm chips. The Korean company is said to be on track for 14nm production around the same time TSMC begins 16nm fabrication.

Apple's current 64-bit A7 system-on-chip (SoC), which powers the iPhone 5s and latest iPads, utilizes Samsung's 28nm fabrication process. A jump to 16nm or 14nm construction is viewed as inevitable in the mobile industry as companies continue to improve power efficiency and reduce chip size.

[twolf2919]

If you, yourself, write that 14nm manufacturing won't happen until 2015 and you appear to know that new iPhones come out every year (why else mention that for 2014, Apple's A7 will be mostly produced by TSMC), then why write up this retarded title? You obviously know it's not true.

[twolf2919]

You write yourself that 14nm manufacturing won't happen until 2015 and you appear to know that new iPhones come out every year (why else mention that for 2014, Apple's A7 will be mostly produced by TSMC), then why write up this retarded title? You obviously know it's not true.

That's so craaaaazyyy... I can't even imagine how they can get the transistors that close... 14 nm? Amazing

I still remember when the 90 nm barrier was a big deal.

[Charles Martin]

You guys are right, the headline is inaccurate. I fixed it.