South Korea-based Samsung Electronics may continue supplying parts to Apple Inc. despite worldwide legal battles beween the companies. Samsung will supply the A6 processors that will be used for Apple's iPhone 5, according a report by the Korea Times.

The report, which cites industry sources, contradicts the statement of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. that they will be supplying the A6 chip processors for the iPhone 5, which is expected to be released in June next year.

Already engaged in stiff competition, the two device makers are involved in expensive courtroom battles across three continents. Apple has sued Samsung on claims that the Galaxy devices are "slavishly" imitating the design and functionality of the iPad and iPhone. Injunctions have already been issued against the Galaxy S2 and/or the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the Netherlands, Australia, and Germany.

As sales have been hit by the ban, Samsung has said it will no longer allow Apple and others to have a "free ride" of its technology. Samsung early this month countered with a lawsuit seeking a ban on the sales of iPhone 4S in Italy and France on grounds that it violates Samsung's wireless patents. But courts have not issued rulings on Samsung's claims so far.

Despite speculations that Apple is looking for new suppliers to replace Samsung, Korea Times says Apple has been discussing with Samsung regarding the shipment of A6 quadcore mobile processors that will be used to the upcoming iPhone 5. Samsung has been supplying the key components (the screens, processors, and RAMs) for the iPad and Apple.

The Korea Times report indicates that while TSMC will build chips for Apple in addition to Samsung, its volume will be "very small."

Samsung Chief Operating Officer Lee Jae-yong told The Wall Street Journal Apple remains one of his most important clients.

Apple released last Friday the iPhone 4S, which has an upgraded processor, camera, software, and features as virtual assistant. While having improved specs and new features, fans have been expecting that an iPhone with an overhauled design, i.e., the iPhone 5, would be launched.

To rival Apple, Samsung will soon release the Nexus Prime, the first smartphone running on Google's Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.