Earlier before iPhone 6 release, it was rumored that Samsung had designed the A8 processor. However, the rumor is not true at all. Apple’s 20 nanometer A8 processor in iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus is manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company TSMC. The information have come from Chipworks (via iFixit).
It seems like Apple wants to shift its focus from its rival Samsung. Moreover, the Cupertino is also looking to widen its supply chain. Keep remember that iPhone 5S A7 processor was fabricated by Samsung. However, Apple will also keep its terms with Samsung. There are rumors that Samsung is already in works for a 14 nanometer chip to feature in future iOS devices.
Coming back to the new A8 processor, it is a dual-core chip. The clock speed is 1.2 GHz in iPhone 6 while 1.39 GHz, slight more, in iPhone 6 Plus. The speed difference is due to the battery and heat concerns. According to TSMC, its 20 nanometer chip can produce results far better than the previous 28 nanometer one. Other than that, the chip draws less power hence increasing overall battery.
Before we conclude our article, let’s see some words from Apple regarding A8 processor. As per Cupertino, the new chip offers 25% better CPU and 50% better graphics performance.