As we all know, Apple has been trying to distance itself from its dependency on Samsung, which is actually much harder than it may seem. As of right now, the South Korean electronics giant makes Apple’s RAM, some displays, and is currently the sole supplier of processors for Apple’s mobile devices. There has been a lot of speculation about where Apple might go to supplement or replace Samsung, with one of the top contenders being Intel. According to a new rumor, Apple is already in talks with Intel regarding using them to replace Samsung.
Doug Freedman of RBC Capitol 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, some of which include the following:
- 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 mentioned by Fortune, Freedman is stating 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 could be worth $2 billion in 2013 as well. As of right now, it’s hard to believe that Apple would switch the iPad over to Intel chips when ARM has better battery life, however with al of Intel’s expertise in chip making, many expect Intel’s mobile processors to surpass that of ARM’s in terms of energy efficiency in the future. We’ll have to see how true the rumor ends up being by being patient and waiting.
Source: Fortune via Cult of Mac
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