Has Apple left Samsung out in the cold over A7 chip project?

Has Apple left Samsung out in the cold over A7 chip project?
Samsung - chip-challenge

There's been more speculation that Apple is looking to ditch Samsung chips in its iPhone and iPad devices, as one paper claims that Samsung has been completely left out of Apple's A7 chip development project.

The A7 application processors in the works now are expected to hit Apple devices in the first half of 2014.

The Korea Times' sources tell it that the "deterioration of ties" between Apple and Samsung has "expanded to chips" having begun in the screen/display arena.

New wife

Instead, Apple is reportedly looking to Nvidia and TSMC to create its next-gen processors using 20nm processing tech - although we've heard Intel bandied around too.

If Apple does completely cut Samsung out of the chip game, it'll be quite a blow to the Korean company which is reportedly hoping to fill the void with its own Exynos processors which it will use in its own Galaxy line-up.

It might surprise you to learn that the two companies work together at all, given the many, varied and escalating patent lawsuits between Apple and Samsung over the past year.

With all the sniping and griping that's gone on both in and out of the courtroom, it's no surprise that Apple is looking to sever its ties with Samsung - and the latest reports tie in with rumours that have been circling since October.

TOPICS
News Editor (UK)

Former UK News Editor for TechRadar, it was a perpetual challenge among the TechRadar staff to send Kate (Twitter, Google+) a link to something interesting on the internet that she hasn't already seen. As TechRadar's News Editor (UK), she was constantly on the hunt for top news and intriguing stories to feed your gadget lust. Kate now enjoys life as a renowned music critic – her words can be found in the i Paper, Guardian, GQ, Metro, Evening Standard and Time Out, and she's also the author of 'Amy Winehouse', a biography of the soul star.

Latest in Phones
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Hands on
I'm actually glad the new Siri with Apple Intelligence is delayed, and here's why we've got Apple's AI problem backwards
The iPhone 16 Pro on a grey background
iPhone 17 Pro tipped to get 8K video recording – but I want these 3 video features instead
Google Pixel 9 on blue background with big savings text overlay
Forget Amazon, the best Pixel 9 deal is at Mint Mobile today - get $400 off without an annoying trade-in
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display the January 22, 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge colors seemingly revealed in new video, and there’s another sign of an imminent launch
Apple iPhone 16 Pro REVIEW
The iPhone 17 Air looks impressively slim in this new comparison image, but that just makes me more worried about the specs
Two Android phones on a green and blue background showing Google Messages
Google Messages just added a fun upgrade to one of its best chat features
Latest in News
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Rennovations
Disney’s giving a classic Buzz Lightyear ride a tech overhaul – here's everything you need to know
Hisense U8 series TV on wall in living room
Hisense announces 2025 mini-LED TV lineup, with screen sizes up to 100 inches – and a surprising smart TV switch
Nintendo Music teaser art
Nintendo Music expands its library with songs from Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Tetris
Opera AI Tabs
Opera's new AI feature brings order to your browser tab chaos
An image of Pro-Ject's Flatten it closed and opened
Pro-Ject’s new vinyl flattener will fix any warped LPs you inadvertently buy on Record Store Day
The iPhone 16 Pro on a grey background
iPhone 17 Pro tipped to get 8K video recording – but I want these 3 video features instead