Samsung is reportedly in talks to add LG Chem as one of its battery suppliers, following the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco.
As a reminder, the Galaxy Note 7 suffered two recalls over exploding batteries. The battery units came from two separate suppliers, and Samsung is now looking to add to its supplier base by recruiting LG Chem.
According to a new report from the Chosun Ilbo newspaper (via Reuters), Samsung and LG Chem are currently in advanced talks and close to reaching an agreement that would see the latter server as a battery supplier.
As Reuters points out, Samsung has so far procured batteries for the Galaxy Note phablet line from Samsung SDI and Chinese supplier Amperex Technology.
Galaxy Note 7 Battery Suppliers
With its disastrous Galaxy Note 7, the company used its internal Samsung SDI brand to produce the batteries. As reports of exploding batteries started out and Samsung was forced to pull the phablet off the market, the company shifted to Chinese manufacturer Amperex Technology to supply the batteries for the replacement Galaxy Note 7 units.
Samsung re-released the Galaxy Note 7 following the first recall, confident that the new battery units from Amperex Technology wouldn't cause issues anymore, but that was obviously not the case. The Galaxy Note 7 still had problems with the battery overheating and going up in flames and Samsung was forced to issue a second recall, taking the fiery device off the market for good. The company will also disable remaining Galaxy Note 7 units for users who refuse to return their devices despite the recalls.
LG Chem For Galaxy Note 8?
Citing an industry official, Chosun Ilbo revealed that chances of a deal between Samsung and LG Chem were more than 90 percent certain, with Samsung likely procuring LG Chem batteries starting in the second half of next year.
LG Chem is already supplying batteries for a number of devices, including Apple's iPhones and iPads and LG's own devices. Procuring batteries from LG's battery manufacturing division could help Samsung regain consumer trust and ensure the Galaxy Note 8 doesn't have the issues that plagued this year's ill-fated Galaxy Note 7.
With a more than a 90 percent chance of a deal between Samsung and LG Chem, things seem to be looking up. However, keep in mind that neither Samsung nor LG Chem has confirmed the potential collaboration just yet and even if the companies are indeed close to striking an agreement, it's still not a done deal just yet.
With this in mind, take things with a grain of salt until the companies announce an official partnership.
