TSMC will reportedly be the sole manufacturer of the new Apple A8 processor to power the iPhone 6, and it apparently started mass production already.

The next-generation iPhone is among the most highly-anticipated devices of this year and the rumor mill has been working overtime in anticipation of the big unveiling. While most reports focused on the expected larger and bezel-free display the iPhone 6 would purportedly sport, there's also speculation regarding the processor that will power Apple's next flagship smartphone.

Previous reports have claimed that TSMC would be the sole producer of the new Apple A8 chips that will power the iPhone 6, and new information now reveals that the manufacturer has already started mass-producing the A8 processor ahead of the iPhone 6's launch later this year. The news comes from AFP (Agence France Press), which cites the Taiwanese media.

"The world's leading contract microchip maker started producing the A8 - Apple's latest of the line of processors tipped to power the expected iPhone 6 - last month, the Taipei-based Commercial Times reported, citing supply chain sources," reveals the AFP.

"The reports said TSMC had swept most of the manufacturing orders for logic and power management integrated chips that would be installed on the handset. The Commercial Times forecast the new phone, which will likely have a 4.7-inch screen, to hit shelves early in the third quarter."

Apple has recently launched new iPhone iterations in September, and the next-generation iPhone 6 may follow the same cycle and debut around that time, or make an earlier appearance. A launch in early third quarter would mean around July, while a September launch would push it to late 3Q. The iPhone 6 is expected to come rocking the new Apple A8 processor that will likely power the next-generation iPad and iPad Mini as well, and is expected to launch alongside the much-rumored iWatch.

Apple is also widely expected to increase the display size of its next-generation iPhone from 4 inches to 4.7 inches, and rumors also claimed that a second iPhone 6 version would boast an even larger display to join the phablet trend.

The iPhone 6 is further speculated to come with an 8-megapixel camera, but with various improvements over the 8-megapixel shooter found on the current iPhone 5S.

Everything we know so far, however, is based solely on rumors and speculations, so it is highly advisable to take everything with a grain of salt until official confirmation. In Apple does indeed plan to launch its next-generation iPhone early in the third quarter, we should hear more about it soon enough. Stay tuned for more information as soon as it becomes available.