According to sources in the semiconductor industry, Samsung Electronics has received a foundry order from STMicroelectronics to produce MCUs for Apple's next-generation iPhone (tentatively known as the iPhone 14 series), using a 16nm process. This is the first time ST has outsourced MCUs to major customers such as Apple.
According to the Korea Economic Daily, in the face of global supply shortages, MCUs are manufactured using a 16nm manufacturing process, which means that their specifications will be smaller than traditional MCUs and their power density will be higher. Details such as Samsung's refusal to confirm receipt of the order, the value of the order, etc. are currently unclear.
The report pointed out that this OEM order has triggered expectations from the outside world that Samsung is expanding its influence in the foundry market dominated by TSMC, which controls 70% of MCU outsourced production. Both companies are the two largest foundries in the world.
Late last month, Samsung officially announced plans to build a $17 billion chip manufacturing plant in Taylor, Texas, as part of plans to surpass TSMC.
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![Grab TSMC's customers! Samsung receives an outsourcing order from ST To produce MCUs for Apple[fig]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)