iPhone 7 Release Imminent with Killer Performance as Samsung Starts A9 Processor Production
The success of the iPhone 6 series has turned all eyes on what Apple plans do to next. According to recent leaks and predictions, the company is gearing up for the release of the iPhone 7 featuring a new A9 processor from Samsung. Can Apple deliver another killer?
Samsung and Apple's rivalry has died down following the latter's decision to outsource its new set of A9 processor. Previously, Apple turned to TSMC for the A8 processor. According to GSM Arena, following the settlement of the legal action, Samsung has gotten back together with Apple for its new chipset production.
Etnews also reported that Samsung has started manufacturing the Apple A9 chipset based on the 4nm FinFET design. The South Korean tech giant manages two plants capable and with resources to make the chip. However, for some undisclosed reason, the company decided to devote only its plant in Austin, Texas. Samsung invested around $3.9 billion on the plant which has been believed to be dedicated to making Apple processors.
This does not mean that TSMC will step back as it also has its 16nm FinFET Plus process up and ready. Despite producing majority of the Apple A8 chips, Samsung appears to have the larger cut of the order this time.
As for other details about the iPhone 7, MacWorld noted that the device may ship finally with sapphire display from Foxcoon. The company has been preparing on putting up a plant in Taiwan with investments amouting to around $2.6 billion. Apart from this, Martin Hajek, published an image showing what the iPhone 7 may look like (via the Telegraph). The upcoming phone on the image shows a reduced space between the home button and screen whereas the speaker has been relocated on top of the handset.
Apple has not released any official details about the iPhone 7 or if it will be called as such.