14 DAY TRIAL // A Korean newspaper is quoting a Samsung official as saying that Apple remains a faithful partner and that the Cupertino giant has already ordered $11 billion worth of parts from them this year.
The Samsung insider obviously declined to be named, but this person reportedly said that the ongoing litigation between the two companies is not affecting their higher interests.
Samsung supplies the A-series processors in most of Apple’s iPhones and iPads today, as well as other chips and, more recently, the Retina display used in the third-generation iPad.
In fact, Samsung is said to have remained the sole supplier of the 9.7-inch panels after Sharp reportedly dropped out of the race, failing to meet Apple’s stringent requirements on quality, yield rate, etc.
Some believe it’s ironical that Samsung, now a big rival of Apple’s, is the key to its success in the tablet segment. The two companies, however, see it as a fruitful partnership - nothing more, nothing less.
Speaking of Samsung in particular, the Korea Times' report says (emphasis ours) “It will also supply flat-screens utilizing new PLS-based LCD technology for smaller iPads, while it’s in talks with Apple to ship more LCDs to be used in the next iPhone this year.”
The Samsung source personally added that his / her employers are “putting huge resources into becoming the world’s first OLED panel supplier to Apple for use in i-branded devices. Apple has the intent to use Samsung’s OLED technology, however, Apple doubts the output commitment for OLED screens by Samsung,’’ the source said.
It appears that the more Apple refuses to introduce a smaller iPad, the more rumors churn up about it. (Also, see the related links below)
It is important to stress that Apple has often stated its reluctance vocally, but that doesn’t mean the company doesn’t have its eyes set on the 7-inch tablet segment.
Whether you want to call it a bigger iPod touch, or a smaller iPad, Apple can pull this one off too. But does the company run by Tim Cook really need a smaller iPad right now? There’s a pretty good chance the answer is no.