The success of the iPhone and the future revision of iPod models make Apple the main purchaser of NAND flash modules from the two largest manufacturers: Hynix and Samsung. Both companies try their best to satisfy Cupertino, and smaller purchasers might have their order postpone if Apple sends an urgent request.
If production of NAND modules is currently sufficient to ensure both low prices and worldwide needs, it might change in a near future with the launch of SSD in mass production. However, to make the SSD attractive and cost-efficient, NAND flash manufacturers will have to make then as cheap as possible, and one way to achieve it will be to boost NAND flash production to decrease the price of memory chips.
[translation by Linathael]
