Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs. Samsung: Who Will Spend More Money Here?

Does Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) need Samsung to survive? Is the feeling mutual? At this point, nobody really knows the answer to this question (we take a stab at it here, however).

On one side of things, you have the two companies fighting in court room battles all over the world. On the other side of the equation, they are still doing business together on many fronts. While nobody knows what the future holds, it is safe to say that this story line is one worth keeping a close eye on.

Tim CookYesterday, IHS posted an interesting study: OEM Chip Spending Returns to Growth in 2013 as Apple and Samsung Battle for Lead

This piece showcases the showdown between Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung as the two companies jockey for position with hopes of dominating the smartphone market.

Here is what you need to know:

“After a flat year in 2012, global purchasing of semiconductors by the world’s top electronic brands is set to return to growth in 2013, as Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics contend to claim the title of biggest spender.”

The question at this point is simple: which company is going to spend more money? This may not be the only detail the two tech giants have on their mind, but from the outside this is the one question that is worth answering.

Myson Robles-Bruce, senior analyst for semiconductor spend & design activity at IHS, had an interesting take on the way things are shaping up right now:

“Depending on the metric used, either Samsung or Apple will be the top chip spender for 2013. Either way, the honor does not merely signify bragging rights but also carries attendant overtones of prestige and influence, with the incumbent leader often tacitly acknowledged by all others as the industry’s top semiconductor spender.”

As you can see, this is actually a pretty big deal. Either way, as noted by Robles-Bruce, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) or Samsung is going to take home this honor. At this point, it is too close to call.

While there are other companies spending quite a bit in this area – such as Sony, Dell, HP, Toshiba, and Panasonic – none are able to keep up with what Apple and Samsung are doing. These two companies are the big dogs.

The race to the finish will be an interesting one, with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung hoping to take home top honor.

How do you feel about this story and data from IHS? Is it really that important? Share your thoughts in the comment section below (and don’t miss this story).