Rumor: Samsung tapped to supply DRAM for 'A9' chip in Apple's next iPhone

In a deal said to be worth billions of dollars, Samsung will allegedly provide at least half of the dynamic random access memory used in the processor for Apple's 2015 iPhone update, according to a new rumor.

Word of the alleged agreement between the two rival companies was reported this week by the Korea Times, which cited an industry official familiar with the deal. It was said that Samsung could potentially take an even larger share of DRAM in the so-called "iPhone 6s" if Apple chooses.

Samsung has supplied DRAM to Apple in the past, and the South Korean electronics maker has also been consistently rumored to build 14-nanometer A9 chips for Apple's next iPhone and iPad models.

Other previous DRAM suppliers to Apple include Toshiba, Elpida Memory, Micron, and SK Hynix.

Though Samsung is a heated rival with Apple, the company is also a key supplier of parts for the company's hot selling iPhone models. Most notably, all of Apple's custom A-series chips were built at Samsung's silicon fabrication operations based out of Austin, Tex., until last year's iPhone 6 launch brought Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. into the fold.

The rumor comes on the heels of a separate report from Korea on Monday that claimed Apple was recruiting experts on chips and batteries from Samsung. According to the report, Apple has been looking to bring talent to California, and has been attracting Samsung employees with positions offering greater pay.

The report didn't give any indication of how much DRAM Apple's so-called "A9" processor might include. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus continue to support a gigabyte of RAM like previous handsets, while the iPad Air 2 boasts two gigabytes.

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57 Comments

pmz

said about 9 years ago

Funny. This is the first year where I really couldn't be less interested in what the iPhone refresh is going to be. I can't imagine wanting more from an iPhone than what my 6 Plus is/has/offers/does.

ericthehalfbee

said about 9 years ago

Makes sense. If the A9 uses the package-on-package assembly, then the SoC and DRAM would be manufactured together.

I don't really care who fabs processors for Apple. As long as they are using the best available process and can make them in quantity.

thewhitefalcon

said about 9 years ago

Given the repots that Apple's basically the DRAM king (expected to take 25% of the market on their own), they need supplies badly. And IIRC Samsung was opening a new line and dedicating it to Apple production only.

leavingthebigg

said about 9 years ago

Barron's is reporting this morning, "TSMC Will Have The Lion's Share of Apple's A9 Pie: Citi". It appears that Samsung's 14nm fabrication process is not ready for prime time after all. TSMC's 16nm fabrication process is ready as TSMC had reported. But Wall Street chose to ignore TSMC in favor of Samsung until denial could not be held on to.

It is amazing how easy it has become to know when Samsung's "wins" are targeted lies spread around to make the company look better. The timing of the lies tend be 2-3 weeks before and after Samsung makes official earnings reports. When the A9 based on 14nm win was announced, I had so much doubt due to the 14nm having yield issues that were never clearly stated to have been resolved.

Now this DRAM rumor is spreading just in time to cover up the A9 lies.