Conclusion: Apple is hiring dozens of engineers to develop wireless chips at a new office in Irvine, Calif., with the goal of eventually decreasing or eliminating its reliance on third-party wireless chip makers such as Broadcom and Skyworks Solutions. The project is still in the early stages, but there’s little doubt that Apple’s existing suppliers are already worried.
Bloomberg, who was the first to report on the matter, cited Apple’s recent job listings for candidates with experience building modems and other wireless chips.
The publication also noted that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand Apple’s satellite offices, allowing the tech titan to focus on engineering hubs and attract applicants who may not want to work at its Cupertino headquarters.
Apple, if you recall, bought Intel’s 5G modem business in 2019, with the chipmaker selling it “at a loss of billions of dollars.” Since then, we’ve heard that Apple is working with TSMC to build custom 5G modem chips for the iPhone and that the first iterations could arrive as early as 2023.
Earlier this week, Apple canceled the February deadline for Apple employees to return to the office. A spokesman confirmed to CNBC that a new date for his return to office has not yet been set. Apple also announced a $1,000 bonus for every employee who purchased equipment to help them work from home.
Image credit Daniel Constante
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