As most of you are aware, Samsung has been reported to charge Apple between $120 to $130 per OLED screen that is going to be fitted in the iPhone 8, resulting in the price skyrocketing so the Cupertino tech giant can enjoy a healthy stream of profit margins.
However, it is not just Samsung’s involvement that will determine the final price of the iPhone 8, as there are other components working in unison to provide functionality to the mobile computing marvel and guess what? These components will be originating from Korean manufacturers.
Samsung, SK Hynix, and LG Innotek Will Ultimately Be Responsible for the Exorbitant Amount of Money You End up Paying for the iPhone 8
In addition to supplying OLED screens, Samsung will also be supplying NAND flash memory chips to the iPhone maker, but at least Apple will have another supplier by the name of SK Hynix to have better leverage on this particular component. However, that leverage might not command a firm voice since Samsung and SK Hynix accounted for 35.7 and 11.4 percent of the first-quarter global NAND flash market respectively, according to The Korea Herald.
While Apple could end up relying on SK Hynix for the bulk of shipments, the manufacturer’s resources do not come close to Samsung’s production output, leaving Apple to rely on both firms for now. Samsung also controls an unrivaled 97 percent market for OLED panels for smartphones, and it looks like Apple will have to continue depending on it till LG Display enters the foray starting from 2019.
However, LG’s other subsidiary, LG Innotek is responsible for supplying dual-camera modules and with improved optics expected on the iPhone 8, the price might be driven up accordingly. Different analysts also revealed that new technologies present in the phone ranging from a 3D sensing module and other components will also determine the final price, which is said to start from $900.
Some say that Apple might have to introduce an iPhone 8 bundle program which will include digital freebies in order to convince consumers to spend nearly a $1,000 on the ground-breaking product. So far, Korean firms have a greater command on the price of Apple’s mobile phones and this might be the case in the years to follow unless Apple grows several suppliers under its belt.
News Source: The Korea Herald
