Apple is apparently launching a new office whose experts are set to focus on developing in-house chips to reduce the company’s dependence on iPhone parts for other market makers.
The Cupertino-based tech giant is recruiting several new troops in Irvine, California, Bloomberg reports. Coincidentally, Broadcom and Skyworks also have offices in the area. As explained in the report, Apple is apparently looking for employees who have experience working with modem and wireless semiconductor chips. The new technology giant, which will work in Irvine’s offices, is set to work on wireless radios, integrated radio frequency circuits and a wireless system. The team will also focus on the semiconductor industry for Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity.
This is part of a broader strategy to expand satellite offices, allowing technology giants to target engineering hubs and attract employees who may not want to work at Silicon Valley, its main base. This approach has also helped Apple advance its goal of building more internal components.
This effort is based on the previous work of the technology giant in the field of wireless chips. Devices like the AirPad and Apple Watch now include custom components that allow them to sync with devices. Apple’s latest iPhones also include the U1 ultra-wide-band chips for more precise location and connectivity with accessories such as AirTags and other products.
Apple and Broadcom signed a two-year deal in January 2020, under which the wireless giant agreed to supply additional wireless components to the company. SkyWorks, meanwhile, has relied on Apple for more than half of its revenue in recent years. However, the company reduced its reliance on Apple by signing a separate $ 2.75 billion purchase agreement.
Finally, although Apple is currently using Qualcomm modems in the iPhone 13, it seems that it intends to continue its efforts to build internal modems. The Cupertinos bought Intel’s smartphone modem business in 2019 for $ 1 billion, and Ming Chi Koo, a reputable analyst, explained that for the first time in the iPhone 2023, we will see a 5G modem designed by Apple.
