It seems Apple is starting to turn its back on Samsung-made components.
CNET reports an analyst is claiming Apple’s stressed relationship with Samsung has resulted in fewer orders of components made by the Korean firm for the iPhone.
Past reports claimed that Apple was looking for other manufacturers to take Samsung’s place. Now, it seems the Cupertino firm has found a manufacturer that will ultimately replace the Korean tech giant and completely sever the ties between the two.
Gus Richard, a chip analyst from Piper Jaffray, said, “Apple is working with TSMC at 20 nanometers”, referring to the highly advanced 20nm manufacturing process of semiconductor manufacturer TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company).
According to an anonymous source, the maker of the iPad would have chosen to completely replace Samsung, if it didn’t have a contract with the Korean tech giant. The unnamed source told CNET, “The Apple-Samsung relationship has deteriorated to such a poor point that they’re just looking to fill contractual obligations, then make a change.”
Meanwhile, an Asian report says Apple contracting Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company for the purpose of making quad-core chips forced the company to disregard a number of its clients.
According to Richard, “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 goes on to say that the Cupertino firm is sending a design to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company at the start of 2013. Production will then start towards the end of 2013.
Do you think Apple should completely sever its ties with Samsung, or do you still think Samsung will do wonders for Apple regardless of the strained relationship? Share your thoughts through a comment below.
