Chip Manufacturers making 4G LTE Chips for iPhone 5?

Latest speculation feeding news on the next iteration of Apple iPhone, the iPhone 5, comes from Analyst Gene Munster, who sent a note to investors stating Qualcomm is facing supply issues for its 28nm LTE baseband (4G). The uneasiness faced by Chip maker is because it has to assure 2012 October launch of iPhone 5.

Many Manufacturers are busy manufacturing Chips for iPhone 5:

IBT says that Several chip manufacturers, including Qualcomm, Broadcom, STMicroelectronics, NXP, Texas Instrument (TI) and OmniVision, have reportedly started stocking chipsets to be used for Apple's next-gen smartphone, the iPhone 5.

iPhone 5, which is rivalled by Samsung Galaxy S3, is scheduled for a release in the second half of the year.

Qualcomm and Broadcom are producing 4G and Wi-Fi chips using a 28nm process at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Omnivision is currently also seeking capacity at TSMC's 12 inch fabrication, resulting a tight production capacity for the foundry's 28nm process,say those who are privy to the iPhone 5 developments.

According to reports, Qualcomm requires about 10,000 28nm 12in wafers or one-third of the 28nm capacity at TSMC for the production of 4G chips for the iPhone. It was noted that it would be difficult for TSMC to meet market demand for 28nm process until it ramped up its 28nm wafer starts to 50,000 units a month around the fourth quarter of 2012. Interestingly, other chip makers are also either upping their build capacity for similar Chips or increasing their inventories.

STMicroelectronics is said to have increased its output of Micro Electro Mechanical (MEMS) devices, whereas NXP and TI are building inventory analog Integrated circuits (ICs) for iPhones.

How Things look at the moment?

Earlier speculations say that Qualcomm would manufacture 4G LTE chips for the iPhone 5. A report by Apple Insider suggested that analyst Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster sending a note to investors stating Qualcomm was facing supply issues for its 28nm LTE baseband, only strengthens the reports. It also strengthens an October 2012 launch of iphone 5.

That said, as of now, it appears that Apple is expected to utilise Qualcomm's MDM9615 LTE chip, which supports both voice and data connections on high-speed 4G LTE networks. The reports of Apple in the process of testing and evaluating potential components for the next iPhone, only give credence to the reports. --------

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