The relationship between
Apple and
Samsung continues to swing between ups and downs, and despite multiple lawsuits and reports that the two companies are closing ties, Samsung will produce the A8 chips that Apple will be using. A
report in ZDNet Korea has the news, and adds that Samsung is now in the testing stage of production, with mass production scheduled to begin in he next quarter. At the same time, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) will also be carrying out production in parallel to Samsung.
Last year in June, it seemed like Apple and Samsung migh part ways, when it was
reported that Apple has tied up with TSMC to produce its new A-series chips. However, it was quickly followed by
news that Apple signed a fresh agreement with Samsung for supplying iPhone chips. This was later confirmed by another
report in October.
However, in February this year, a
report suggested that Samsung was out of the running to make the chip for Apple. According to report, Samsung dropped out of the race because it wasn't profitable for it to produce the chips anymore. A 9to5mac.com report
stated that rather than parting due to 'political differences', Samsung's production deficiencies were the main reason for them dropping out. This could leave TSMC as the only maker of the A8 chip.
Another report in March
reiterated this and Taipei-based website TechNews has claimed TSMC will now replace to become the sole manufacturer of the A8 chips. One again though, the speculation goes for a toss, as Monday's report says that Samsung will in fact continue their work on the A8, as will TSMC, with Apple procuring chips from both manufacturers.