Apple Makes Huge Samsung Purchase, Gears for iPhone 3rd Gen?
Following the higly anticipated releases of the latest iPhone this summer, Apple has recently bought 100Million 8GB NAND flash chips from Samsung. Rumors say, this is going to be use for the latest iPhone’s storage capacity, a likely 32GB memory capacity.
The new hardware is expected to be announced in June at the annual developers conference sponsored by the company.
From Yahoo Tech:
The extra storage, expected to be used for video capability, may come around the same time the iPhone OS 3.0 arrives, which is expected to be this summer. Apple’s iPhone OS 3.0 includes 100 new features, including search functionality; cut, copy and paste; and the ability to send photos, contacts and audio files via MMS. The new OS also allows users to read and compose e-mail and text messages.
The iPhone isn’t the only device expected to receive the extra storage. Apple is also rumored to be working on a 32GB NAND chip for the iPod shuffle.
“It’s all speculation right now, so it could be more storage for the iPhone, or even the iPod touch,” said Ramon Llamas, an IDC analyst.
Shortage and Competition
The timing of such storage and rumors of a next-generation iPhone are significant as app-store competition heats up from other companies, including Microsoft, Palm and Research in Motion.
Some think Apple’s large order will create a shortage for others in the market for NAND flash chips, including Nokia and Sony.
