As though continuing rumors of the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 aren't enough, now it seems like the processors for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 are also already underway.

With the A7 processor already rumored and expected to back the next iPhone that's slated for release this year, there have been reports that more next-generation processors are also already being considered.

Benzinga.com reports that Apple has already contacted TSMC and its service partner in the manufacturing of A-series chips, particularly those that were "built using 20nm, 16nm, and 10nm process nodes."

The report continues that the A8 processor may go into production as early as July 2013, which speculations have now started to say that it may find its way to the iPad 5.

In addition, there has also been talk that the latter processors, A8 or A9 may even be geared to develop for the Apple TV to enable it to run apps, which is in line with Apple's potential advancement to the gaming industry.

Deal with TSMC to ramp up production in 2014

However, another report from TodaysiPhone points to a 2014 production instead of a 2014, which could hint at Apple using the A8 chip as more of a next generation processor rather than an addition to this year's expected iPad 5.

The deal has been secured for a three-year agreement, which calls for the potential line of A-series chips. At the same time, it's also not impossible for Apple to slowly ease its way out of Intel's grip by creating their own chips, but this would take some time to accomplish for assured quality.

iPhone Hacks also reports that Apple's deal with TSMC may be a great deal, though for most people, TSMC is a relatively unknown name. It is actually a company in Taiwan that manufactures the chips of the Snapdragon line, which backs up the Android.

They are also in charge of Nvidia's chips, which makes them one of the more powerful, though unknown, makers of high-powered chips.

A Labor Day release for the iPhone 5S?

With aggressive price cuts now being rampant in retailer Walmart, it seems that the trend may predict a release of the iPhone 5S to a Labor Day release, while the iPhone 6 is now pegged for a release date come this fall.

DesignNTrend reports that the most recent price cut saw the iPhone 5 go down from $189 to $129, while the iPhone 4S went from $80 to $39. However, the discount also comes with a two0year contract for Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint, which can also mean that Walmart may be moving the devices a bit early on, to give consumers a chance to enjoy the phone before a potential release of the next generation iPhone next year.

A Labor Day release would coincide with previous rumors for the iPhone 5S, but considering that there have not been any announcements or confirmed leaks to date, it's either Apple playing its cards close to the vest or them having nothing at all to announce,

For the meantime, the iPhone 5S still retains rumors of being a refresh phone, with incremental but software-focused changes, while the iPhone 6 is reserved as the phone with major hardware and software changes.

RELATED STORIES