It’s always been something of a bizarre fact that even though Apple and Samsung are bitter rivals in the smartphone world, Apple relies on Samsung for a large number of components — most notably the chips in the iOS devices. However, a number of reports seem to indicate that Apple might be moving away from Samsung in this regard.
The chief of these reports comes from Korea Times, by way of AppleInsider. According to their sources, Samsung manufactured the chips, but unlike previous iterations, had no hand in the design.
Apple is still relying on the Korean firm to manufacture its chips but has made it clear it will no longer use its rival’s technology, according to a senior Samsung official.
“Samsung’s agreement with Apple is limited to manufacturing the A6 processors. Apple did all the design and we are just producing the chips on a foundry basis,’’ he said on the sidelines of a technology fair at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.
Korea times has characterized the relationship as “moving from love-hate to hate-hate.” The Korea Times has a pretty spotty track record when it comes to rumors, but they’re not the only ones saying this.
CNet has been talking to a number of industry analysts who say the relationship is souring.
“Apple is working with TSMC at 20 nanometers,” said Gus Richard, a chip analyst at Piper Jaffray, referring to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s most advanced 20-nanometer (nm) manufacturing process.
Another chip industry source contacted by CNET confirmed this. “The Apple-Samsung relationship has deteriorated to such a poor point that they’re just looking to fill contractual obligations, then make a change,” said the source, who corroborated the move to TSMC at 20 nanometers.
There have been some other rumblings as to this change as well.
None of these sources on their own would be enough for definite evidence of a switch, but all together they paint a pretty obvious picture. Apple appears to be trying to distance itself from Samsung for chip manufacturing and design — a major change from the relationship in the past.
[image via Engadget]
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