Apple accused of NAND flash memory price manipulation
Apple has been accused by anonymous industry sources of utilizing "bully" tactics to manipulate NAND flash memory prices to the hardware maker's advantage.
According to The Korea Times, Apple has leveraged its power against major companies like Samsung and Hynix Semiconductor through the popularity of the iPhone and its line of iPods. The company has been accused of suppressing flash memory prices by ordering more chips from semiconductor makers than it actually buys.
Quoting a nameless "senior industry official," the report stated that Apple has asked Korean semiconductor companies to make a certain amount of chips. But the Cupertino, Calif., company allegedly does not purchase the volume it requests.
