Intel could build the next incarnation of the chip powering the iPad 2 and iPhone according to a juicy new rumour doing the rounds. Samsung currently makes the A5 processor but given the current legal dispute between Apple and other parts of the Samsung empire, speculation is growing that it will lose the contract.
Intel currently makes the processors inside the MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac and Mac Pro and Mac Mini lines but it’s ARM processors powering iPods, the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. Could that be about to change?
Apple has been careful to own the design of the A5 chip and could fairly easily move production away from Samsung. A new report by EE Times, highlights speculation from Piper Jaffray analyst Gus Richard who says: “Intel’s manufacturing lead gives Apple an additional competitive advantage in these markets and distances it from Asian competitors that are knocking off its products. Furthermore, it would also serve to weaken Samsung who is a significant competitive threat to both companies.”
It would take sometime for Apple to shift suppliers and it’s worth noting that the part of Samsung it is currently embroiled in the Apple/Samsung lawsuit is quite distinct from the silicon supplier. At Apple’s recent earnings call, Tim Cook assured analysts that it’s dealings with Samsung for iPhone and iPad parts would not be affected by the battle over the Samsung Galaxy line. Whether that will remain true is difficult to judge but Apple could see an advantage in acquiring processors for all of its products from a single source.
Out TBC | £TBC | Apple (via AppleInsider)
