Mr. Gou told reporters that when the iPhone 5 ships it will put Samsung’s Galaxy S III to shame, according to Focus Taiwan.
Considering Mr. Gou’s position as the CEO overseeing the company that builds iPhones for Apple, he could potentially have early information about the company’s next update for the combination iPod and smartphone. He also seems to have some issues with Korea-based Samsung since he called the electronics maker “a company with a track record of snitching on its competitors.”
His comments were in reference to testimony Samsung gave in a 2010 European Union investigation into price fixing by electronics manufacturers. Samsung was able to avoid prosecution in exchange for its testimony.
Apparently he sees Samsung as Hon Hai’s biggest rival, and is planning on using his new partnership with Sharp to better take on Samsung.
“I respect the Japanese and especially like their execution and communication styles,” Mr. Gou said. “Unlike the Koreans, they will not hit you from behind.”
Regardless of his motives, it’s still a safe bet that when the next iPhone model ships it’ll include new features that push competition in the smartphone market even more. With Apple’s iPhone track record, that’s a bet that doesn’t need any insider information.