Samsung will be producing NAND Flash Memory for Apple in 2017. These two tech giants first teamed up in 2012, same time as Apple's iPhone 5 was launched. The reason behind their parting ways is that Samsung showed reluctance in adhering to Apple's EMI (Electromagnetic interference) shielding specifications through changes in packaging or putting special coatings on the flash memory.
Instead of having Samsung comply with Apple's strict and thorough requirements, Apple is said to be individually putting the shields on more parts to better the devices' performance and to ensure that their EMI compliance is met. The report from Mac Rumors mentioned the comparison between the Land Grid Array (LGA) and the Ball Grid Array (BGA) with the latter being used by Samsung. Apple thinks that there is a significant difference between the two lead types. The Cupertino-based tech company seems to not be convinced with Samsung's BGA lead type as they can still find shielding gaps on it.
What closed the gap between these famous tech companies was that Samsung is now using new techniques in putting metal shielding, using cheaper ultra-thin spray coatings. Hence, Samsung is still the top choice in NAND type memory needs among other companies. The company's recent offering to its consumers is the 3D V-NAND memory of up to 256 Gb densities.
Mobile Scout reported that Samsung has recently partnered with Protec, Asymtek (US) as well as Hansol Chemical and Ntrium for the improvement of EMI shielding process. Instead of using the typical sputtering machine which costs around $4.36M, Samsung has discovered the use of spraying machine which is only amounting to $610,000 to $697,000 way cheaper than sputter. With Samsung using a more cost-efficient device for the production of the NAND Flash memory chips, the products' price would definitely change in a more convenient way.
Although concerned parties have yet to confirm this reportedly joint venture, wider speculations of Apple launching a 256GB iPhone anytime soon would definitely circulate the mobile device industry. If in any chance, Apple will have a 256GB iPhone, waiting for another year or two would certainly be worth it.