Michal Marek Samsung is a very important supplier of components for all iOS devices from Apple. Although the two tech giants don't exactly have an idyllic relationship, business is business, and Apple has the wherewithal to oblige any manufacturer. Ax processors are a very key part for iPhones, iPads and iPod touch, and it is in this area that Apple's dependence on the Korean corporation is most pronounced.
The relations between the two companies and the agreements between them change in various ways over time, and this fact is also indicated by the statement of an unnamed Samsung official, which was obtained by the Korea Times. According to this source, the agreement between Apple and Samsung is already limited to A6 processors only. "Samsung's agreement with Apple is limited only to the production of A6 processors. Apple designs everything on its own, we just function as foundries and produce chips,” an unnamed source said.
Samsung is said to currently have three different types of customers in this area. The first type leaves the development and production of the chip entirely under the direction of Samsung. The second type of customer has its own chip technology design, and the Korean company is only tasked with design and production. The last type is Apple and its A6 processor.
It follows from the statements of a Samsung official that the Korean corporation was directly involved in the development of the A4 and A5 chips. With the A6 processor, it is different for the first time, and Apple obviously relies on its own technologies in this technological sector as well. Recently, the company around Tim Cook has been trying as much as possible to get rid of dependence on the help of any other companies, and breaking away from Samsung is certainly one of the main priorities in Cupertino.
As early as June 2011, there were rumors that Apple would outsource the production of A6 chips to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. However, these rumors did not come true. It is not yet clear who will produce future processors with the likely designation A7. However, it probably won't surprise anyone if Samsung isn't the chosen one.
If Apple really leaves Samsung as its backyard supplier, it will have a significant impact on the South Korean company. Apple generates almost 9 percent of Samsung's total profits, which is not an insignificant amount. However, Apple cannot completely sever the connection with Samsung yet, according to a source of the Korean Times. "Apple threatens Samsung's rapid growth, and therefore excludes it from its major projects. But he can't completely cross him off his list of companions."
