Those ugly patent battles appear to be taking a toll on another front, according to a new report claiming that Apple is shifting its memory purchases away from longtime favorite (and current patent litigation foe) Samsung, who currently holds a 40 percent share of the global DRAM market -- but maybe not for long.
DigiTimes is reporting that Apple may be shifting away from its reliance on Korean manufacturer Samsung for its DRAM and NAND flash memory, with ongoing patent disputes with that company apparently “ket to encouraging Apple to diversify its supplier base.” According to industry sources, Japanese firms such as Toshiba and Elpida stand to benefit from the move.
“Apple has moved to reduce its reliance on memory supplies from Samsung Electronics,” DigiTimes sources reveal. “The vendor has procured more NAND flash parts from Toshiba, and mobile RAM from Elpida, the sources indicated.”
If true, the move could be a substantial blow to Samsung, who currently holds more than 40 percent of the global DRAM market and more than 30 percent market share in NAND flash, making them the largest producer worldwide.
“The speculation follows previous reports saying that Apple has placed contract orders for its next-generation processors with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC),” the report continues. “Apple has in the past contracted Samsung to manufacture silicon designed for its iOS devices.”
The move appears to be an effort to punish Samsung in a different arena other than the patent front -- after all, why should Apple continue to do business with a company they claim is so blatantly stealing their designs? This is likely to get uglier before things get better, at any rate...
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(Image courtesy of SlashGear.com)
