Apple Renews Contract With Samsung Over A-Series Processors 101
tlhIngan writes "In an interesting move since Apple decided to partner with TSMC a few weeks ago, the Korea Economic Daily is reporting that Apple has re-signed a contract with Samsung to produce the A-series chips Apple uses to power its iPads, iPhones and iPods. TSMC is still to produce chips for Apple, though Samsung is poised to take over from 2015."
Re:Simple business decision (Score:4, Interesting)
It must be really hard to be the Apple guy in this situation.
You have to sit across from these people that have totally stolen your lunch and smile as you give them more business. Because you know if they decide to stop doing business with you, your other options are far, far worse.
Re:Simple business decision (Score:2, Interesting)
It's not like Samsung is going to turn down a contract with one of the world's largest device makers either. It's guaranteed business.
Apple makes a lot of devices. Some will continue with Samsung designs. (No brainer. Refine, upgrade, sell next version. No reason to shake up a product line that's selling well) And some will use Apple's new chips fapped at TSMC.
That said, it would suck if your main competitor in the high end smartphone biz decided to squeeze your supplies because they felt it convenient to do so. Samsung is a monstrous company with plenty of dirty business under it's belt. They practically control the SK govt and operate with impunity in that country. If you live in SK, you don't cross that company. Ever.
Think about this one people (Score:5, Interesting)
Stop and think about this.
1) When was the last time Apple leaked plans like this?
2) The level of detail is too high for a 2015 part
3) Apple never gives the foundry product names
4) They also never specify time frames even to their foundry that far out.
5) Apple and Samsung are not on good terms.
6-17) See 5)
18) Apple is trying to get away from Samsung, cost is not an issue
19) Samsung is not any better than the other two common platform partners for tech.
20) Apple has signed with TSMC for 20nm
21) Losing Apple is a big deal for Samsung Semi, and enough of a big deal to be unpleasant for their stock
22) The source for the story is a Korean newspaper that is likely quite beholden to Samsung
You can draw your own conclusions from the above, mine is damage control on Samsung's part.
-Charlie