Is Apple about to shame Samsung?

Apple and Samsung are taking over the smartphone world

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Together, Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) and Samsung are taking over the smartphone world.

In the first quarter, the two gadget makers combined claimed 53.3% of the global smartphone market, with the South Korean conglomerate leading the way, thanks to its wide array of Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) Android devices. Of course, the two companies are world-class frenemies. Samsung is a major supplier for Apple, and they remain embattled in an ever-escalating global patent warfare.

Apple's not the only one with hostilities toward Sammy. Foxconn, one of Apple's primary contract manufacturers, also dreams of bringing Samsung to its knees. Foxconn CEO Terry Gou recently said that its partnership with Japan's Sharp would help it intensify competition with Samsung. Foxconn took a roughly 10% stake in Sharp for about US$800 million in March, and Gou personally just acquired a 46.5% stake in one of Sharp's LCD panel plants.

This particular plant is the only one in the world that can mass produce panels as large as 60-inches to 80-inches, adding further fuel to the speculation that it's preparing to start working on the mythical Apple TV set.

Gou told China Times that he has a lifetime goal of defeating Samsung, a company he says has "a track record of snitching on its competitors." Gou was referring to a panel price-fixing scandal involving four Taiwanese companies back in 2010, where Samsung was a whistleblower to the European Commission.

Samsung's newest Galaxy flagship, the S III, has just launched to much anticipation, following up the successful Galaxy S II. Gou isn't impressed, though. He says smartphone buyers should hold off and wait for the next-generation iPhone, which is expected in either September or October, adding that "The new model will put Samsung's Galaxy III to shame."

This year's iPhone upgrade is widely expected to be a whopper, featuring 4G LTE data speeds, a redesigned form factor, and a larger display.

The good news is that we only have a couple more months before we find out.

If you're in the market for some high yielding ASX shares, look no further than our "Secure Your Future with 3 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks" report. In this free report, we've put together our best ideas for investors who are looking for solid companies with high dividends and good growth potential. Click here now to find out the names of our three favourite income ideas. But hurry – the report is free for only a limited time.

 More reading

The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Take Stock is The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Click here now to request your free subscription, whilst it's still available. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

A version of this article, written by Evan Niu, originally appeared on fool.com

More on ⏸️ Investing

A white and black robot in the form of a human being stands in front of a green graphic holding a laptop and discussing robotics and automation ASX shares
Technology Shares

Joining the revolution: How I'd invest in ASX AI shares right now

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) could usher in a new industrial revolution. Here’s how you can invest in it.

Read more »

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »