Samsung reportedly supplying advanced DRAM memory for upcoming iPhones

Samsung has entered into an agreement with Apple that will see it supplying at least half of the LPDDR4 chips that the Cupertino company will be using inside the “iPhone 6s,” according to a report from The Korea Times. If other suppliers are unable to fulfill Apple’s requirements, the company may ask Samsung to supply them with more chips.

“Samsung will handle at least half of the amount that Apple needs for its new iPhone ― tentatively named iPhone 6s,” an industry official who is familiar with the deal told the paper, adding the iPhone maker may ask more from Samsung to supply the chips ”depending on the situation.”

Samsung’s in-house mobile DRAM chips will also make their way inside the upcoming Galaxy S6 flagship handset.

The deal is certainly a big win for Samsung, which saw its role as an Apple supplier diminish following patent disputes. The two firms have recently agreed to drop most lawsuits filed against each other sans those filed in the United States, where they continue to battle over patents.

Samsung had started the mass production of LPDDR4 RAMs based on the 20nm fabrication process in December last year. These new RAM chips consume up to 40% less power than LPDDR3 RAM chips and are significantly faster as well. The company is manufacturing its LPDDR4 RAM chips in 2GB, 3GB and 4GB configurations and has already started sampling them to customers.

Reports have indicated that the next-generation iPhones from Apple will come with 2GB of LPDDR4 RAM. The report also states that Samsung will be supplying 100% of LPDDR4 RAM chips to LG for its upcoming G4 handset.

[Via The Korea Times]