Apple abandoning Samsung as an iPhone 5 memory and display supplier

Apple is shifting orders for displays and memory chips from Samsung to other component manufacturers ahead of the release of the iPhone 5, according to reports.

While Samsung’s Galaxy series of smartphones and tablets is a major competitor to Apple’s iPhone and iPad, until now Apple has relied on the Korean electronics giant for key components including displays, processors and memory.

However, according to The Wall Street Journal, Apple has begun shifting orders to other display manufacturers, including Sharp, LG and Japan Display Co. ahead of the launch of its next-generation iPhone 5 smartphone.

While Apple will continue to use Samsung processors for the new device, it has begun placing orders for memory chips with Samsung competitor SK Hynix.

The news comes a week after Apple sought a US ban on Samsung’s Galaxy S3 smartphone and Galaxy Note tablets, following a landmark patent lawsuit victory in which it was awarded over $US1 billion in damages.

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