According to Digitimes TSMC will enter risk production for a MediaTek chip on the newer 7nm process in the second quarter.

The new SoC incorporates 12 CPU cores.TSMC disclosed previously the node technology will be ready for risk production later in the first quarter.

However there are rumours that TSMC’s low yield rates for its 10nm process could put a spanner in the works for MediaTek’s Helio X30 chips. MediaTek has insisted that there is no change to the shipment schedule.

In February, it rolled out its 10nm Helio X30-series SoC designed for high-end smartphones. Mass production for the deca-core SoC has started, said the company, adding that commercial devices powered by the chips will be available in the second quarter of 2017.