Apple's upcoming range of new iPhones could be hit by a 30 percent shortage in the supply of storage capacity chips, according to a new report by DigiTimes on Thursday.

The article claims that both SK Hynix and Toshiba have suffered from lower-than-expected yield rates for their 3D NAND flash chips, resulting in fewer supplies available for Apple's 2017 series of iPhones. Apple is said to have called on Samsung in an effort to secure more.
iphone 8 render 7 and 7s

Apple has turned to Samsung for more NAND chip supplies for its upcoming phones, since Samsung has relatively stable yield rates for 3D NAND technology and has scaled up its output of 3D NAND chips, the sources indicated.

Apple began using non-volatile 3D NAND chips in its mobile devices last year because of the technology's ability to pack more storage space into equivalent dimensions compared to previous flash memory. However production of the chips is a more delicate process, and it looks as if Apple's priority suppliers haven't been able to increase their yield sufficiently to provide for the devices the company is planning to launch in 2017.

Apple's reliance on Samsung to shore up the supply isn't exactly out of the blue. Back in April of last year it was reported that Samsung would again become an Apple supplier of NAND flash chips, ending a five-year hiatus dating back to the iPhone 5 in 2012.

Apple is expected to announce a "tenth anniversary" OLED iPhone in September alongside more typical "S" cycle updates to its iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. One rumor has suggested the so-called "iPhone 8" will include increased storage space, while two additional rumors say it will be available in 64 and 256GB capacities.

Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

Strelok Avatar
104 months ago
Apple Fanboys and Fangirls, next time you say "I will never us a Samsung product" maybe think again;)
*facepalm*. Great way to start this thread. 8/8.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacDarcy Avatar
104 months ago
What a strange relationship these two have. Bitter rivals who are constantly suing each other yet also work with each other.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sunny1990 Avatar
104 months ago
It would be nice if they phase out 32GB. 64GB should be the minimum with all models.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bookwormsy Avatar
104 months ago
It would be nice if they phase out 32GB. 64GB should be the minimum with all models.
I remember not too long ago when people were saying that 32GB should be the minimum...
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fermat-au Avatar
104 months ago
Apple Fanboys and Fangirls, next time you say "I will never us a Samsung product" maybe think again;)
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jim Lahey Avatar
104 months ago
Business is business. Of course Apple will use Samsung components if they feel it benefits their business. Just as Samsung will sell to Apple if they feel it benefits theirs. Business. It's not a fist fight. It seems simple to me, but I'll refrain from judging those who misunderstand it :)
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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