Apple (AAPL) has long relied on Samsung (005930) for help with its hardware even though the two companies are perpetually at each other’s throats. But now unnamed sources have told the Korea Times that things have already started to change because “Apple has not collaborated with Samsung in the process to develop its A6 microprocessor used in its latest iPhone 5.” Samsung has traditionally manufactured the processors for Apple’s smartphones and tablets, and has also provided key development input as well. If the Korea Times report is correct, it means that Apple has already downgraded its relationship with Samsung to “manufacturing-only” and is likely to split off from Samsung entirely next year when it starts work on the successor to the A6 chip.
[Via 9to5Mac]