Apple has increased orders for DRAM and NAND flash memory from two Japanese component manufacturers in an effort to further decrease dependence on Samsung for various components. Industry sources say Toshiba is handling Apple’s NAND flash parts while Elpida Memory is responsible for supplying Cupertino with mobile RAM, according to a report from DigiTimes.
Apple was reportedly courting vendors to provide LCD screens for iPhones and iPads last month when it was rumored that they were prepared to invest up to $1 billion in Japanese corporation Sharp. It was unclear at the time if the news simply indicated that Apple was looking for a more diverse supplier portfolio or if they were specifically trying to cut ties with Samsung. This most recent development points to the latter.
This isn’t surprising as Apple and Samsung have battled it out in various courts around the globe this year regarding patent infringement from both parties. Apple sued Samsung over Galaxy phones and tablets in California last April, claiming that Samsung has been riding Apple's coattails with devices such as the Galaxy S 4G, Epic 4G, Nexus S and Galaxy Tab by copying design elements from the iPhone and iPad.
Further litigation came in August when Apple successfully blocked Samsung from releasing their Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia, claiming that the tablet violates no less than 10 patents and is too similar to the iPad. Specific patent claims include the “look and feel” and touchscreen technology.
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