Apple iPad fans may have to wait a bit longer due to a disruption in the supply chain. This is mainly because of below-sufficient yield rates for the 10nm manufacturing process by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). A lot is being said about the upcoming next-generation iPad release date though this problem may push back the release date further.

The news was first reported by DigiTimes that even claimed that both the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Samsung are experiencing the problem. Samsung's low yield rate has affected Qualcomm and the chip-manufacturing company is now planning the 2017 roadmap cautiously. Similarly, the low yield rate from TSMC has affected Apple and its iPad models.

The Apple iPad models were slated to be released in March 2017. TSMC will be producing the A10X chips to be used in the iPad models. However, now there can be a change in schedule and delay in the launch of the iPads because of the unsatisfactory yields. Apple now needs to figure out how to solve the production problem of the A10X chips. There is still time and Apple may pull out a wonder just in time.

Current Apple chips use the 16nm process. A shift to the 10nm process would mean more efficient next generation Apple iPads in terms of better power usage, improved speed and overall experience of the OS. According to Tech Times, TSMC will prioritize the company with the highest profile when delivering the chips. Other companies who have sent orders are MediaTek and HiSilicon.

Apple is said to be releasing three iPad models in 2017 with two being refreshes of the current 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch models and a brand new iPad with screen size in between the two current models. There are conflicting reports as to the actual screen size of the new Apple iPad. It would either be a 10.9 or a 10.5-inch tablet. Apple may also choose to drop the bezel and the Home button from the new iPad model.