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Samsung Supposedly Wins Orders to Produce Apple Watch Components

Friday January 9, 2015 1:53 am PST by Richard Padilla
Samsung has won the orders to produce Apple's S1 system-in-a-package for the Apple Watch, reports DigiTimes. The S1 produced by Samsung will combine multiple components including the processor, mobile DRAM, NAND flash, and other chips into one package.

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A report in November shared similar information, noting that Apple would be relying heavily on Samsung for iPhone 6 and Apple Watch components. Namely, Apple was said to be concerned about NAND flash, with its cheaper and slower TLC (triple-level cell) flash memory for larger-capacity iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models said to be the source of crashing issues. Those issues, along with Samsung's competitive prices, were said to be the primary reasons in bringing Apple back to negotiations with the South Korean company.

Apple is said to be targeting a March launch for the Apple Watch, as the company is said to be refining the device's "Watch OS" software and working on hardware components like the inductive charging mechanism. Apple Retail Store workers are also set to begin training during the week of February 9 ahead of the device's launch the following month.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 5
Tag: Samsung
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)
[ 132 comments ]


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farewelwilliams
53 months ago
so they can copy
Rating: 24 Votes
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nutjob
53 months ago
Apple would be in dire straights without Samsung. Samsung actually has the technology and smarts to deliver on Apple designs. It would take Apple decades to develop such manufacturing prowess, if it could do it ever. Right now it's depending on cheap Chinese manufacturing which is severely limited when it comes to the leading edge, not least because no-one in their right mind would reveal their latest tech to the Chinese.
Rating: 19 Votes
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ricci
53 months ago
Just like a married couple I tell you!! The love hate in this relationship is impeccable!!
Rating: 18 Votes
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MH01
53 months ago
Good. Like previous Apple products, the ones with samsung components will no doubt be the sort after ones. So let the complaining begin....
Rating: 7 Votes
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MacFather
53 months ago
enemies on the outside, friends on the inside
Rating: 6 Votes
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SMIDG3T
53 months ago

Keep your friends close ...


And your enemies closer.
Rating: 6 Votes
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Icaras
53 months ago

You are wrong on several points:

-Apple has never had the ambition to develop a manufacturing capability.


From Steve's autobiography, it seemed like he was pretty interested in manufacturing, hence the "Apple controls everything" vibe.
Rating: 5 Votes
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peterdevries
53 months ago

From Steve's autobiography, it seemed like he was pretty interested in manufacturing, hence the "Apple controls everything" vibe.


I know, I read it too. But I guess SJ even realized that it would make no sense to do that as it would create a far too complex organization to manage, and in addition one can still control all aspects even when part is outsourced. Actually it makes controlling easier, because external contracts are easier to maintain than internal contracts (personal and department objectives).

I'm absolutely convinced that part of the reason why Apple is so successful is their focus on core competencies:
-design
-retail management
-supply chain management
-software & hardware integration

I probably left a few out, but you get the point.
Rating: 5 Votes
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throttlemeister
53 months ago
Seems almost every time Apple goes to bed with another manufacturer, eventually they end up running back to Samsung because they can actually deliver with the yields and quality Apple demands. Makes me wonder how many times Apple needs to fall on their face before they accept the reality that when it comes to semiconductor manufacturing, there's only one company that can reliably deliver what they want, when they want it, with the quality they require at the prices they are willing to pay and that is Samsung.
Rating: 5 Votes
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samcraig
53 months ago

Wow!

The chromecast board looks like it was made in the 80s. If you say they're similar then there's no point to discuss anymore!


Absurd comment. Why does the chromecast board look like it was made in the 80s?

Let me refresh your memory of 1980s circuit boards Mr. Hyperbole

https://www.google.com/search?q=1980+circuit+board&espv=2&biw=1498&bih=877&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=jk-xVPmVH4bIsQSf0YDgDA&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg
Rating: 4 Votes

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