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Apple said to use Samsung components on A7 chip

A deeper look at iOS 7 code reveals that at least some Samsung components may be used for Apple's new A7 processor, sources tell 9to5Mac.

Dara Kerr Former senior reporter
Dara Kerr was a senior reporter for CNET covering the on-demand economy and tech culture. She grew up in Colorado, went to school in New York City and can never remember how to pronounce gif.
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Apple's A6 and A6X chips are made by Samsung. It's rumored that the A7 chip could be too. iFixit

After much back and forth, it is now rumored that Apple's forthcoming A7 processor will have at least some Samsung components.

A developer told 9to5Mac that he found references to a new A7 chip within the code of the iOS 7 file system. 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 for its next generation of chips.

It's possible that Samsung will work on the A7 series of chips and TSMC will do A8, A9, and A9X chips -- or that 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.

CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.

Earlier Wednesday, 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."