Over the last year Apple has been trying to cure itself of its dependency on Samsung, but that’s been pretty hard to do. Samsung makes Apple’s RAM, some displays, and is the sole supplier of processors for Apple’s mobile devices.
There has been speculation about where Apple might go to supplement or replace Samsung, and one of the top contenders Apple might turn to is Intel. According to a new rumor Apple is already in talks with Intel about using them to replace Samsung.
RBC Capitol’s Doug Freedman reports that there have been advanced talks on a deal to bring Apple’s processor manufacturing needs over to Intel. Freedman even claims to know specific terms of the deal that are being discussed right now.
- Intel would agree to use Apple’s preferred architecture for the iPhone — the one from Intel’s British rival, ARM Holdings.
- In return, Apple would agree to switch to Intel’s x86 architecture for the iPad.
As reported by Fortune, Freedman claims that Apple’s demand for 12-inch system-on-a-chip wafers in 2013 could approach 415,000, which would outstrip Samsung’s ability to supply, giving Intel an upper-hand. Apple’s foundry business in 2013 could be worth $2 billion in 2013.
We find it hard to believe that Apple would switch the iPad over to Intel chips when ARM has better battery life. However, with all of Intel’s knowledge and manpower in chip making, many expect Intel’s mobile processors to surpass ARM’s in terms of energy efficiency in the near future.
Source: Fortune
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