Apple's 64-Bit iPhone 5S Processor May Have Caught Samsung By Surprise (AAPL, SSNLF)

On September 10, Apple AAPL announced that the iPhone 5S would be the first smartphone to contain a 64-bit processor. This was arguably the most surprising part of the product announcement, which was mostly filled with features that had been rumored for several months. In an interview with The Korea Times, Samsung SSNLF Mobile co-CEO Shin Jong-kyun said that his company would also release new smartphones with 64-bit processors. "Not in the shortest time," Jong-kyun told The Korea Times. "But yes, our next smartphones will have 64-bit processing functionality." Jong-kyun also told the publication that he followed the media coverage of Apple's new iPhone. Related: Apple's 12-Inch iPad Concept Inspires New Samsung Tablets Caught By Surprise Was Samsung surprised by Apple's decision to include a 64-bit processor? Over the past year, Samsung has worked very hard to undercut Apple's announcements by releasing products and developing features before its chief competitor. Samsung was one of the first smartphone manufacturers to add slow-motion (120FPS) video recording. The company was one of the first to develop a major smart watch, which has been viewed as a big move to one-up Apple. Samsung has spent the last year trying to revitalize the flip phone concept with a dual-screen device. After rumors claimed that Apple was poised to enter the TV business, Samsung launched a new slate of smart TVs. The Internet-ready televisions contained apps, motion controls, voice recognition and other features that Apple was rumored to be developing for its own displays. At every turn, Samsung has tried its best to stay ahead of Apple. This time around, the South Korean tech giant came up short. Instead of bringing a 64-bit processor to the Galaxy S4 or Galaxy Note 3, Samsung decided to wait. While it is possible that Samsung could not finish its 64-bit processors in time for a 2013 release, the company may have simply underestimated Apple. Whatever the reason for Samsung's stumble, Apple has now gained an edge over its South Korean competitor. Disclosure: At the time of this writing, Louis Bedigian had no position in the equities mentioned in this report. Louis Bedigian is the Senior Tech Analyst and Features Writer of Benzinga. You can reach him at 248-636-1322 or louis(at)benzingapro(dot)com. Follow him @LouisBedigianBZ