{"id":26091,"date":"2019-07-26T17:26:23","date_gmt":"2019-07-26T21:26:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mjtsai.com\/blog\/?p=26091"},"modified":"2019-07-26T17:27:14","modified_gmt":"2019-07-26T21:27:14","slug":"apple-to-acquire-intels-modem-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mjtsai.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/26\/apple-to-acquire-intels-modem-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple to Acquire Intel’s Modem Business"},"content":{"rendered":"

Apple<\/a> (Intel<\/a>, MacRumors<\/a>, Hacker News<\/a>):<\/p>\n

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Apple and Intel have signed an agreement for Apple to acquire the majority of Intel’s smartphone modem business. Approximately 2,200 Intel employees will join Apple, along with intellectual property, equipment and leases. The transaction, valued at $1 billion, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, including works council and other relevant consultations in certain jurisdictions.<\/p>\n

Combining the acquired patents for current and future wireless technology with Apple’s existing portfolio, Apple will hold over 17,000 wireless technology patents, ranging from protocols for cellular standards to modem architecture and modem operation. Intel will retain the ability to develop modems for non-smartphone applications, such as PCs, internet-of-things devices and autonomous vehicles.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

Seems like a great deal at only 1\/3 of a Beats.<\/p>\n\n

John Gruber<\/a>:<\/p>\n

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Remember this bit of the Cook Doctrine<\/a>: “We believe that we need to own and control the primary technologies behind the products that we make.” If anything, Apple waited too long to take control of its modems the way it has its SoC’s.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

Joe Rossignol<\/a>:<\/p>\n

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Understandably, the acquisition may enable Apple to accelerate development of its own 5G modem, with Reuters<\/a><\/em> citing a source who claims the iPhone maker wants to have an in-house chip ready for use in some of its products by 2021, compared to previously reported timeframes of between 2022<\/a> and 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

Previously:<\/p>\n