Apple’s new iPhones released last Friday are already making waves around the world, with many wondering if a new Apple frenzy will sweep the Korean market once again.

One thing that has urprised market experts and others is that the new 64-bit A7 processor for the high-end iPhone 5S is reportedly manufactured by Samsung Electronics.

“Apple and Samsung have maintained a business relationship for a long time since the release of the first iPhone, and the relations will be solid for a while if the media reports of the chip are true,” said an industry watcher, declining to be named.

Previous reports said that Apple distanced itself from Samsung and chose Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. as the main chip provider for its new handsets.

A Samsung official in Seoul declined to confirm whether or not the Korean firm produces the new chips for its U.S. rival.

There has been a particular craze for the gold iPhone 5S, which has reportedly already sold out at many Apple stores and mobile carrier shops.

The feeling of owning a totally new smartphone with the new color accounts for the high demand for the handset, according to some experts.

They also said consumer demand for the gold iPhone is expected to further rise.

U.S. mobile carriers including Verizon reportedly postponed the time for restocking the gold smartphone model to November.

Long lines, campouts and fistfights were some of the scenes in front of Apple stores depicted in media when the much-anticipated iPhone 5S and its lower-end model 5C were officially released in 11 countries last Friday.

Also spotted were employees from rival firms snooping around the Apple stores.

Samsung Electronics’ sister firm Cheil Worldwide reportedly dispatched some of its workers to the Apple’s flagship store on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue to figure out why people get so excited about the Apple handsets, waiting hours in line whenever new products are released.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heralcorp.com)