It's been unclear what company will work with Apple on the A7 processor, but a deeper look at iOS 7 code reveals that at least some Samsung components might be used. July 31, 2013 4:47 PM PDT Apple's A6 and A6X chips are made by Samsung. It's rumored that the A7 chip could be too. (Credit: iFixit) After much back and forth, it is now rumored that Apple's forthcoming A7 processor will have at least some Samsung components, according to 9to5Mac. A developer told the news source that he found references to a new A7 chip within the code of the iOS 7 file system. And, another person familiar with Apple's chip design process told 9to5Mac that an analysis of this iOS 7 code revealed that some Samsung components will be used on the supposed chip -- most likely those that power the display. This wouldn't be the first time that Apple has used Samsung components for its processing chips. The A6 chip uses Samsung components, as does the A6X. However, in June, it was rumored that Apple reached a deal with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to work on chips. Related stories Apple talking to Globalfoundries about U.S.-based chipmaking, says report Redesigned iPad Mini may arrive before Retina: DisplaySearch Intel's CEO coy about hinting at Apple deal Apple blocks Samsung access to next iPhone chip, says report Apple probably won't tap Intel until 2015: Piper Jaffray It's possible that Samsung will work on the A7 series of chips and TSMC will do A8, A9, and A9X chips -- or there will be some mixture of the two. It's been said that the A7 chip is for the rumored iPhone 5S and possibly future iPads. Earlier today, another iOS 7 code sniffer said that he believes three new models of the iPad Mini are on the way, including an "2,8," "2,9," and "2,10" which represent higher numbers than Apple's existing trio of iPad Minis, which are listed in code as "2,5," "2,6," and "2,7." CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
It's been unclear what company will work with Apple on the A7 processor, but a deeper look at iOS 7 code reveals that at least some Samsung components might be used.
Apple's A6 and A6X chips are made by Samsung. It's rumored that the A7 chip could be too.
(Credit: iFixit)
After much back and forth, it is now rumored that Apple's forthcoming A7 processor will have at least some Samsung components, according to 9to5Mac.
A developer told the news source that he found references to a new A7 chip within the code of the iOS 7 file system. And, another person familiar with Apple's chip design process told 9to5Mac that an analysis of this iOS 7 code revealed that some Samsung components will be used on the supposed chip -- most likely those that power the display.
This wouldn't be the first time that Apple has used Samsung components for its processing chips. The A6 chip uses Samsung components, as does the A6X. However, in June, it was rumored that Apple reached a deal with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to work on chips.
Related stories
- Apple talking to Globalfoundries about U.S.-based chipmaking, says report
- Redesigned iPad Mini may arrive before Retina: DisplaySearch
- Intel's CEO coy about hinting at Apple deal
- Apple blocks Samsung access to next iPhone chip, says report
- Apple probably won't tap Intel until 2015: Piper Jaffray
It's possible that Samsung will work on the A7 series of chips and TSMC will do A8, A9, and A9X chips -- or there will be some mixture of the two.
It's been said that the A7 chip is for the rumored iPhone 5S and possibly future iPads.
Earlier today, another iOS 7 code sniffer said that he believes three new models of the iPad Mini are on the way, including an "2,8," "2,9," and "2,10" which represent higher numbers than Apple's existing trio of iPad Minis, which are listed in code as "2,5," "2,6," and "2,7."
CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
