'iPad Pro 2' release date update: tablet delayed due to 10nm process issue?

Apple enthusiasts expect that iPad Pro 2 will grace the market in 2017, though there are possible delays seen. This is due to the news that Apple is having a difficult time getting ample supplies of A10X chips.

Recent reports state that the Cupertino-based tech company is set to have the A10X chip in the next-generation iPad Pro, but there are hindrances with the manufacturing of the chip. This may cause the iPad Pro 2 to suffer delays and may not come out as scheduled.

The main reason is said to be Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), on which Apple depends for readily available chips for its devices. According to the insiders, TSMC has also received 10nm chip orders from MediaTek and HiSilicon, aside from Apple.

The orders may be put in jeopardy since the volume of manufacturing is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2017, but there have been issues with the yields of the foundry's process. This may mean that the release date of iPad Pro 2 may be delayed.

TSMC is also manufacturing A11 chips for the iPhone 8, and its production is set to start on the second quarter of next year. This, too, is seen to suffer from delay.

Tab Times reported that TSMC is not the only one experiencing such issues since Samsung has also been experiencing low yields of 10nm chips. This has reportedly provoked Qualcomm to change its roadmap regarding their Snapdragon chipset.

Previous reports claim that Qualcomm initially is aiming for Snapdragon 835, and other chipsets like 660, to be manufactured with the 10nm process of Samsung. However, due to the low yield, Qualcomm changes its roadmap with the 835-series manufactured with a different node technology.

The decline of sales of iPad should prompt Apple to release a new model to keep up with the trends. They may also need to look for ways to complete the development of iPad Pro 2 as the launch of iPhone 8 is also at risk.