Apple switches chip supplier for iPad and iPhone

Apple is planning to start work on the A6 chip, and this time it won't be requiring help from rival Samsung, with whom the company is currently battling in court over lawsuits regarding patent claims and supposed copy-cat products.

According to Merrill Lynch analyst Dan Heyler, Apple will be using Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to build the next generation of chips in 2012.

Helyer added that where the A5 processor was built by Samsung using a 45nm process, the A6 chip is said to be based on a 28nm process.

Helyer told China-based Commercial Times that TSMC stands a good chance of winning orders for Apple's A6 processors, reports Digitimes.