Samsung has reportedly started production of the Apple A9 processor set to power next year's iPhone 7 or iPhone 6S, according to a new report.
The relationship between Apple and Samsung may not be easy to understand for everyone, but their "frenemy" collaboration has so far worked out pretty well. Despite the fact that the two companies have been engaging in litigations all over the world, apparently they can work together as well when they find it best to do so.
Not too long ago, news surfaced that Samsung will be in charge of making the processor for Apple's next-generation flagship smartphone. If a new report turns out to be accurate, the South Korean company has already started working on the chipset.
More specifically, Korean publication ETNews claims that Samsung has already started producing the Apple A9 processor at a U.S. plant in Austin. Moreover, the report further details that Samsung is making the processor using the 14nm FinFET technology. Samsung can also work on this A9 processor at its plant in Giheung, Korea, but it has reportedly started production only in the U.S. for now.
"The Austin plant began official production first at Apple's request, and industry insiders said it is a move to produce the chip in the US, not Korea," explains the ETNews report. "They guessed that the Austin plant was chosen because of the next-generation chip's problems with performance security and supply."
Apple's next-generation iPhone 7 or iPhone 6S has already starred in a number of rumors so far, but it's still early at this point to determine their accuracy. Speculation so far has hinted toward a sapphire display for the 2015 iPhone flagship, but it remains to be seen whether such displays will be ready in time for the launch of the device.
Other rumors have also indicated that the 2015 iPhone flagship will receive a major camera update, as it will reportedly rock a two-lens system capable of producing superior images of DSLR quality.
It's all in the rumor state for now, however, as all information is based solely on leaks and speculation. Apple is not expected to launch its next-generation iPhone until September 2015, and there's a lot that could change or come to light until then.
