Apple will use its own main power management chip design in iPhones within the next two years, according to Nikkei Asian Review, quoting unnamed sources. The chip controls the phone’s charging, battery management, and energy efficiency.
Designing its own chip would give Apple more control over the quality and cost. Earlier this year, Imagination Technologies, a graphics chip provider, announced that Apple would stop using its chips within two years
Moving to is own power management design would also eliminate Apple’s dependence on Dialog Semiconductor, which exclusively supplies the chips for the iPhone, iPad, and Watch.
Chances the rumor is true, according to the Sellers Research Group (that’s me): 90%. This fits in with the late Steve Jobs’ statement that Apple liked to be in charge of the “whole widget” when it came to its products.
