TSMC chairman and CEO Morris Chang indicated that his firm achieved a foundry marketshare of nearly 100 percent on its 28nm chip process. Chang anticipated 28nm wafer shipments would triple this year, leading analysts to believe that TSMC has secured orders to produce Apple's upcoming A-series SoC. Apple currently makes its A6x processor at Samsung on a 32nm process but is believed to be preparing to switch to TSMC's 28nm process.
Chang also suggested that TSMC’s success with the 28nm process has lead to a near monopoly.
“We have enjoyed throughout the year, in spite of a lot of attempts at competition, close to 100% foundry market share in 28nm technology,” he said.
According to China Times, Chang’s comments led analysts in attendance to believe that TSMC has secured orders from Apple for its upcoming A series processors. Apple’s A6X chip is currently produced on a 32nm process by Samsung, but a reduction to 28nm could result in power savings and improved performance for future devices.
Chang also added that customer interest in 20nm has been strong, he expects full production of 20nm chips to ramp up in 2014 and 2015 even more quickly than 28nm has.
