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Apple designs its own microprocessors, numerous sophisticated connectors, extremely small speakers, clicking hardware, touch sensors, metal plating processes, e
by robszumski 11y ago
Apple designs its own microprocessors, numerous sophisticated connectors, extremely small speakers, clicking hardware, touch sensors, metal plating processes, etc.
While they partner with folks like Samsung, I don't think its fair to say that they only design "some" components. They are industry leading in many areas, including batteries.
- rhino369 11y agoWhile Apple does do a lot more engineering than the average phone maker, it still couldn't even make the A9 processor themselves.
- quesera 11y agoWhat part of the A9 does Apple not make? It's an ARM core manufactured by TSMC or Samsung, but neither of those caveats remove "maker" from Apple's role. Note that Apple is part-owner of ARM Holdings, and that no one except IBM, Intel, and the government have their own fabs these days. Samsung has their own fab, but Samsung also makes tractors -- they're in hugely disparate businesses.
- rhino369 11y agoAll of it. Semiconductor processing is a supremely complicated endeavor.
- quesera 11y agoOf course it is. That's kind of the point. Just like everyone else, Apple does not fab their own chips. But unlike most others, they do design their own chips. If Apple saw a competitive advantage in running their own fab, they would do so. I'm not sure what definition of "make" you're using here, but if it's just the production part you're talking about, then ok.. Correct but not strategic, in the scheme of things.