It is no new news that Samsung and Apple are rivals on and off court houses. We also know about their relationship before all the legal cases started. Yes, Samsung used to supply components and parts for Apple. Now, rumours have it that Samsung will be supplying new Apple iPad displays. Yes, according to reports, Samsung is said to become Apple’s key suppliers again for the new iPad and iPad Mini. 
The news is from ETNews (citing industry sources). According to them, Samsung is readying both 7.9 and 9.7” Retina Displays for the upcoming iPad devices (2048 x 1536p resolution for both devices).
Reports are also suggesting that the new displays are headed first to the iPad Mini (which is due third quarter of this year). It will then be followed by the full-size iPad (due to come out last quarter of this year).
Apple relied on Samsung for its iPad display in the past (3rd Generation iPad with Retina Display). Now, according to recent talks, Apple also tapped Sharp and LG for its panels. According to Senior Analyst Richard Shim (NPD Displaysearch) Apple is going back to Samsung for a smaller display and this is nothing but unusual.
“Apple made it pretty clear that at least with the lower resolution – the 1024 x 768 displays – they were sticking to LGD (LG Display) and AUO,”
“AUO has ramped up too. It’s no clear why they’d need a third supplier.” Shim told CNET.
Meanwhile, last week’s Citi Research’s note to investors claimed similar specs for a new display for the iPad Mini. They also believed that the product will be delayed until late Q4 of this year or early of next year.
In addition, DigiTimes suggested a similarly late November timeline for the new devices. NPD DisplaySearch also suggested production on the said displays would start as soon as next month, with production on the tablet to follow soon after.
Both Samsung and Apple remained in litigation (in different international courts too). Both of them are set to go to trial soon over damages for a handful of devices included in the original 2011 lawsuits. Samsung and Apple are also set for a new trial involving the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the iPhone 5.
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