Apple may drop $1 billion in Sharp LCD plant, report says

Apple is planning to invest $1 billion in a Sharp LCD plant, Reuters is reporting.

For several months, rumors have swirled that Apple is looking to invest heavily in Sharp's LCD plant. So far, however, the companies have not publicly said that they will, in fact, work together.

According to the news service, Apple's expected investment in Sharp's LCD plant stems from its desire to secure displays for its iPhones and iPads while limiting its reliance upon any single supplier. One such supplier, 

Apple and Samsung are 

So far, however, Apple has gained an early lead. In Australia, the iPhone maker has signed a deal with Samsung that will require it to approve the version of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 that will be sold in that country. And earlier this month, Apple won a preliminary injunction against Samsung that 

That legal jostling is forcing Apple to rethink its supplier relationships, Reuters is reporting, citing sources. And because of that, the news service says, chipmakers Elpida Memory and Toshiba, in addition to Sharp, could benefit.

If Apple does invest in Sharp's LCD plant, it reportedly wouldn't be the first time the company has given cash to suppliers for LCD display production. Back in December, Japanese business news outlet Nikkei reported that