“Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in.” Apple must be feeling a bit like Michael Corleone these days, as no matter how far they try to distance themselves from frenemy Samsung, they continually must rely on the South Korean firm for components for their popular iOS devices.
While Apple is making moves to distance itself from rival Samsung, one report says the Korean company is actually gaining ground on iPad LCD supplier LG Display, a trend that may continue with the expected next-generation iPad mini.
Market research firm NPD DisplaySearch says Samsung shipped more 9.7-inch panels for the fourth-generation iPad than LG did for the months of April and June.
Instead of diversifying and spreading orders out to other manufacturers, Apple is reported to have increased panel purchases from Samsung in Q1 2013. Analysts estimate approximately 2.3 million units were shipped from Samsung during the March quarter, and grew to over 4.1 million units for the three months ending in June, for roughly an 80% increase.
Samsung is also said to be lining up to be a major supplier for the as yet unannounced second-generation iPad mini. DisplaySearch estimates jibe with a June rumor that claimed Samsung would be supplying Retina displays for a Retina display version of the smaller Apple tablet.
The firm does expect LG Display and Japan Display to account for at least a piece of the panel supply for a Retina display mini, citing a source who said Apple is experiencing yield issues with suppliers like Sharp and AU Optronics.
