Copycat Samsung Still In Apple’s Doghouse

The global patent battle between Apple and Samsung has steadily cooled the relationship between the two companies. In fact, things have gotten so bad that Samsung is no longer one of Apple’s biggest component suppliers, according to the Korea Economic Daily. Samsung is no longer supplying key components for some of Apple’s most successful products including the iPhone and iPad. Specifically, Cupertino has turned to Toshiba, SK Hynix, and Elpida Memory for memory chips, and to LG Display for liquid crystal displays for the next generation iPhone, which launches next week. Apple’s move is likely the result of their desire to widen their supply change. However, the company’s on-going legal battle over patents is probably another reason. Says AllThingsD suggests:

That said, it’s hard not to think that Apple’s legal brawl with Samsung isn’t playing some sort of role here. Cutting back component orders for a device like the next-generation iPhone could cause Samsung a bit of bottom-line pain, particularly if it ends up stuck with excess component inventory. What better way to undercut a fierce rival than to disrupt a key and well-established revenue stream?

That sounds about right, don't you think? In August, a California jury found Samsung guilty of using many of Apple's patents without their permission. Source: Korea Economic Daily Via: AllThingsD

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