Apple and Samsung Moving From "Frenemies" To "Enemies" Relationship

Apple and Samsung have for a long time had a strained relationship, with the companies locked in many court trials relating to their competition in the tablet and smartphone markets. As tensions between companies have continued to grow, Apple has been trying to decrease its reliance on Samsung for production of components. Now The Korea Times reports on how the relationship between companies has moved from a "love-hate" to a "hate-hate" relationship.

The site reports about Apple’s initiative to cut Samsung out of the development process of the A6 system-on-a-chip used in the iPhone 5, with Samsung serving as a foundry to produce the chip. According to the report, senior Samsung’s official said:

“Apple is still relying on the Korean firm to manufacture its chips but has made it clear it will no longer use its rival's technology.

Samsung's agreement with Apple is limited to manufacturing the A6 processors. Apple did all the design and we are just producing the chips on a foundry basis.”

With Apple reportedly seeking to shift A-series processor production to TSMC and recent hiring of Samsung’s processor designer Jim Mergard, it appears that Apple it trying to further reduce its reliance on Samsung’s great manufacturing and technical expertise.