Apple’s A6 Chip From Samsung?

Posted by unlocker on Friday Nov 11, 2011 Under News

Samsung may supply the A6 processor chips for iPhone 5.
The patent battle between two tech giants and rivals Apple Inc. and Samsung all over the world does not seems to affect the symbiotic relationship between the two companies.
According to a report from Korea Times, Korea-based company Samsung will continue to supply processors for iOS devices to Apple. This report contradicts the initial statement of Taiwan-based electronics company Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, saying that they will be supplying A6 chip processors to Apple.
According to Korea Times, Apple has been discussing with Samsung regarding the shipment of A6 quadcore mobile processors that will be used to the next generation of iPhone. It seems that Samsung and Apple still holds a critical business partnership. Apple is Samsung’s biggest buyer of some parts used in their devices. Samsung, on the other hand, supplies high-end and high quality materials and electronics to Apple.
What is the meaning of the 60 employees of T.S.M.C. from Taiwan who traveled to Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino.
According to an official report released by the company, T.S.M.C. will supply a small quantity of customized chips with designs to Apple. The manufacturing of the chips is not yet finalized due to Apple’s previous patterns of adopting qualified technologies. The iDevice company is not taking risks and Samsung offers better price and capacity commitment for the A6 mobile processors.
It seems that Apple is looking into T.S.M.C. to be an alternative supplier to the company apart from Samsung – which is the primary supplier of chip processors to various iOS devices. However, T.S.M.C. was unable to deliver.
The news that were published the last few days showed how awkward the relationship between the two companies. There are reports that said that Samsung’s president and COO was invited to Apple’s ex-chief Steve Jobs’ memorial. However, other reports also expound on the patent cases filed by Samsung against Apple in Japan and Australia.
Samsung’s COO said in a correspondence with Wall Street Journal that Apple remains to be one of the most important clients of Samsung. However, the solid business partnership is a different issue on their legal battles and areas where they are rivals.
Over time, it seems that Apple will be decreasing its dependence on Samsung as a supplier of device components. Apple is also working on reducing their dependence on Google for iOS software.

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