TSMC Starts Building A13 Chips for the Next Generation of iPhones
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. has started production of a new chip for Apple’s next line of iPhones launching later this year, according to Bloomberg.
The A13 processor went into early test production in April and mass-production is planned for as early as this month, the report claims.
Both TSMC and Apple declined to comment.
Apple is powered by a custom procesor designed in-house by the company. Apple also designs similar parts for the Apple Watch, Apple TV, AirPods and HomePod. It also makes specialized chips for Macs and is working on a main Mac processor to eventually replace those supplied by Intel. Apple plans to design new types of chips, including a cellular modem for making calls and connecting to the internet, and power components based on a recent deal with Dialog Semiconductor Plc.
This year's iPhones are expected to look similar to the current versions, but the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max updates should gain a third ultra-wide-angle len camera. The iPhone XR successor will get a second camera on the back for increased zoom.
Apple is also working on an auto-correction feature to fit people back into a photo who may have been accidentally cut out.
Apple also plans a feature that lets users charge the latest AirPods and other devices by putting them on the back of the new iPhones. That’s similar to a feature Samsung offers on its newest devices.