Apple partner TSMC is said to start making chips for new iPhones

FILE PHOTO: A logo of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is seen at its headquarters in Hsinchu, Taiwan October 5, 2017. REUTERS/Eason Lam/File Photo GLOBAL BUSINESS WEEK AHEAD

Apple Inc manufacturing partner Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co has started mass production of next-generation processors for new iPhones launching later this year, according to people familiar with the matter. 

The processor, likely to be called the A12 chip, will use a 7-nanometer design that can be smaller, faster and more efficient than the 10-nanometer chips in current Apple devices like the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, the people said. They asked not to be identified discussing private plans. Apple and TSMC spokeswomen declined to comment.