Samsung and HTC hobbled by Apple spat fallout

Asian technology giants reeling as battles with Apple take their toll

Samsung and HTC stock values have plummeted following a series of lawsuits and rumoured contract changes by Apple.

HTC shares dropped nearly seven per cent Wednesday after US customs officials held shipments of its latest smartphones. The phones have been empounded while officials investigate whether the new HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE handsets infringe on an Apple-owned patent.

In December 2011, US courts ruled a number of older HTC designs infringed on a patent held by Apple.

HTC has since attacked the block, insisting that its handests are compliant with the court's ruling.

"The US availability of the HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE has been delayed due to a standard US Customs review of shipments that is required after an ITC exclusion order," an HTC spokesman told V3.

"We believe we are in compliance with the ruling and HTC is working closely with customs to secure approval."

Samsung shares also dropped by six per cent today, putting a $10bn dent on the company's market value.

The drop came after reports that Apple has placed a huge chip order with Japanese rival Elpida. The report stemmed from DigiTimes, adding to existing rumours suggesting Apple planned to discontinue its chip contracts with Samsung.

Samsung declined V3's request for comment clarifying, "Samsung does not comment on rumour and speculation."

At the time of publishing neither Apple nor Elpida had responded to V3's request for clarification.

Both Samsung and HTC are on the brink of launching major devices in the US to compete with Apple.

HTC launched its One X smartphone in the UK in April, with the device receiving an incredibly positive critical response. The company will be hoping to repeat this success in the US.

Samsung is also set to release its new flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S3. The handset was unveiled in London in May and is set to be released on 30 May.

For a peak at the Galaxy S3, check out V3's opening hands-on impressions.