As Apple prepares for the next-generation iPhone launch, Samsung is eager to get a share of 64 GB NAND orders, reports the Korea Times (via Cult of Mac). For the currently available iPhone 6 models, Apple contracted Toshiba (50%), SK Hynx (30%), and SanDisk (20%) as NAND chip suppliers.
While Samsung is a key player in Apple’s supply chain, it didn’t grab NAND ship shipments, because the two couldn’t agree on a price, sources speaking with the Korean newspaper say. This is about to change. The manufacturer is busy monitoring the quality of its 64 GB NAND chips, as Apple allegedly bets on high 64 GB iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus sales.
Sources say that Apple is satisfied with the sale of its 64 GB iPhone 6 models in Europe and China, which would trigger higher orders of 64 GB NAND chips for the next-generation iPhone.
“As Apple plans to increase its shipments of the mid-range iPhone models with larger capacities amid growing consumer demand for data-intensive features, including cloud services, Samsung Electronics is in talks to sell more of its flash chips for the next models,” a source close to the deal told The Korea Times, Sunday.
There is no guarantee that Apple will contract Samsung to supply that chip, but Samsung seems to be positive about a future deal, as it aims to ramp up production of that specific chip. Negotiations between the two tech giants are ongoing.
Sources speaking with Bloomberg have revealed that Apple has given the green light to manufacturers for the iPhone 6s with Force Touch, so everything seems to be ready for a September launch.
