In spite of apparent efforts to diversify its supply chain, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) continues to rely heavily on Samsung for its iPad displays. That’s according to the latest data from NPD Display search, as reported by Brooke Crothers of CNET.
Samsung still one of Apple’s biggest suppliers
Analysts had been expecting to see Samsung’s role in the production of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s products begin to decline. But in spite of the two companies’ turbulent relationship, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) shipped more displays for the iPad 4 than LG Electronics Inc (KRX:066570) in April and June. In fact, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been increasing its purchase of screens from Samsung since the beginning of this year.
During the first quarter, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) ordered approximately 2.3 million units from Samsung. Those orders surged by 80 percent in the second quarter to more than 4.1 million units, according to data from DisplaySearch.
Samsung remains a major supplier for Apple
During the second half of this year, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) is also expected to supply screens for the next iPad Mini. At this point we still don’t not for sure if it will have a Retina display, although some of the most recent reports naming Samsung as a supplier for those screens have indicated that it will be a Retina display.
Currently LG Electronics Inc (KRX:066570) is the top supplier for screens for the iPad Mini. LG and Japan Display are also expected to supply the Retina displays for the next iPad Mini. Industry officials apparently told DisplaySearch that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) was having difficulties procuring enough of a supply from other companies like AU Optronics and Sharp.
It’s expected that production for the iPad Mini with Retina display will begin in the fourth quarter of the year. If so, that would align with the expectations of KGI Ming-Chi Kuo, who said last month that that iPad Mini with Retina display would launch in March or April, alongside a less expensive iPad Mini without a Retina display.
