It looks like Apple is relying less on components supplied by Samsung.
According to CNET, an analyst claims that the Cupertino firm’s strained relationship with the Korean tech giant is resulting in fewer orders for Samsung-made components in iPhones. Previously, reports started to surface of Apple looking to alternative suppliers to supply parts for their products in Samsung’s place. It seems Apple has found alternative suppliers, which are slowly replacing the Korean firm.
Piper Jaffray chip analyst, Gus Richard, said, “Apple is working with TSMC at 20 nanometers.” Richard was speaking about the most sophisticated 20nm manufacturing process of chip maker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).
A source claims that the iPad maker would have completely severed ties with Samsung, if it wasn’t tied to a contract with the Korean firm. Speaking to CNET, the anonymous source said, “The Apple-Samsung relationship has deteriorated to such a poor point that they’re just looking to fill contractual obligations, then make a change.”
According to an Asian report, Apple shifting to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company for quad-core processors has forced the manufacturer to neglect its other clients.
Richard says, “TSMC has allocated a disproportionate amount of resources to Apple. And has pushed out other [TSMC customers] in the process.
“They’ll ramp down Samsung and ramp up TSMC. And some products will get some of one and some of the other.”
Richard adds that Apple will be sending its chip design to TSMC early in 2013. Production of the chips will start by the end of next year.
In the biggest tech trial in history, Samsung was ordered to pay Apple over $1 billion in damages for violating the Cupertino firm’s patents. This plus the numerous patent disputed the two have waged around the world has put a tremendous strain on their business relationship.
What do you make of this move by Apple to shift its component contracts away from Samsung? Share your thoughts through a comment on our Facebook page.
