Samsung to Cease Providing LCD Panels to Apple in 2013

The Korea Times reports that the deteriorating relationship between Apple and Samsung that has seen the two companies reducing their component supply deals is now extending to LCD panels, with Samsung reportedly ending supplies of the panels to Apple next year.

The Cupertino, California-based firm has been lowering its reliance on Samsung-manufactured displays for use in its popular i-branded devices as it is leveraging its influence to source components from Samsung’s rivals attracted by better pricing.

“We are unable to supply our flat-screens to Apple with huge price discounts. Samsung has already cut our portion of shipments to Apple and next year we will stop shipping displays,” said a senior Samsung source, asking not to be named, Monday.

The report claims that Samsung shipped approximately 15 million LCD panels to Apple in the first half of 2012, with the pace falling to 3 million panels in the third quarter and expected to drop to 1.5 million in the fourth quarter as Apple has shifted to other suppliers.

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Samsung is reportedly not involved in LCD production for the "iPad mini", with LG Display and AU Optronics said to be handling component production. And with Apple reportedly cutting back on memory orders from Samsung and now designing its own A-series chips while using Samsung simply as a contract foundry, it seems clear that Apple is steadily reducing its reliance on Samsung as the two companies have continued to face off both in the marketplace and in courtrooms around the world.

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Top Rated Comments

PackFan Avatar
171 months ago
Not good - considering that the LG retina Macbook Pro displays have serious image retention problems - while the Samsung ones do not...
Score: 69 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WhySoSerious Avatar
171 months ago
Most people probably don't realize that this hurts Apple more than Samsung. Bad business move by Apple.
Score: 63 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rudy69 Avatar
171 months ago
In the end this is probably hurting Samsung more than Apple
Score: 53 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NachoGrande Avatar
171 months ago
it's called cutting your nose off to spite your face
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
YaocH Avatar
171 months ago
In the end this is probably hurting Samsung more than Apple

Oh come on, you all know that Samsung makes great displays. Those LG retina displays being churned out for the 15" rMBP have image retention issues whereas those made by Samsung do not.

Doesn't hurt Apple?? Seriously??
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
the read Avatar
171 months ago
This is not good news for Apple. Samsung create great technology and are leaders in the market when creating core stable technology, unlike many of their competitors. LG are a cheap alternative and a company that has only ever followed.

Apple need to learn how to work with other companies. They have too many enemies and cannot do it all themselves. Apples history has proven this many times over.
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)