The iHS iSuppli (http://www.isuppli.com) research group says — as noted by “CNET” — that Apple buys about 50% more memory, processors, and other semiconductor products than its nearest rival, Samsung.
What’s more, Apple’s semiconductor spending is growing fast, says Dale Ford, head of IHS iSuppli’s electronics and semiconductor research business. Speaking at the analyst firm’s Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) Summit, he said that in 2009 Apple spent about US$9 billion on semiconductors. This year, that figure should rise to $27 billion. By 2013, Ford said Apple will spend about $29 billion.
Read more at http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-57439199-92/apple-is-the-biggest-chip-buyer-and-getting-bigger/ .