Flash makers bluffing on Apple 32Gb orders?

Hynix and Samsung are gaming the market by claiming to have more orders from Apple for high-capacity memory than actually exist, according to accusations made by local rivals. While the two memory makers have reportedly both said they are taking large amounts of orders for the 32 gigabit (4GB) flash memory used in iPhones and iPods, the alleged sources claim that both suppliers are deliberately inflating the amount of memory ordered to artificially raise prices. By creating a perceived shortage, the two memory makers could reportedly take extra profits from other companies ordering at the same time.

The anonymous tips acknowledge that Apple has stepped orders and that the Hynix and Samsung claims have a grounding in truth, according to the report. However, the tips note that Samsung hasn't scaled back its official shipment targets for next month, contradicting a common practice of cutting shipment numbers to ensure a steady stream of memory for a key customer.

None of the parties involved have commented on the allegations.

The revelation nonetheless provides early details of likely upgrades later in the year to Apple's handheld line, which currently uses 16 gigabit chips to reach the capacities found in the 16GB iPhone and 32GB iPod touch.

Filed under: iPod, iPhone, industry, upgrades/storage
Other story tags: Samsung, Hynix