Report: Apple purchases another processor design house

Apple's gigantic bankroll may be burning a hole in its pocket. Almost two years after purchasing PowerPC designer P.A. Semi, Apple appears to have snapped up ARM design house Intrinsity. According to a report that first appeared on EDN (via electronista), a number of engineers at the company have indicated that they are now or soon will be employed by Apple. Some of them have even gone as far as to change their LinkedIn profiles, with one reverting it—possibly out of fear of drawing the wrath of his new, secretive employer.

Intrinsity is known for its expertise with ARM processors such as the one used in the iPad. The design house has always been fairly quiet about its client list, so it's quite possible that Intrinsity contributed as much, if not more to the A4 ARM processor that powers the iPad than did P.A. Semi. Intrinsity has done work on customized Cortex A8 processors for the likes of Samsung, so the company's expertise in the area would be extremely attractive to Apple.

If the sudden disappearance of Intrinsity's web site is truly an indication that Apple has made another purchase, it's a clear sign that Cupertino has really big plans for ARM and doesn't see a future for x86 outside of its desktops and laptops. In addition to powering iPads and iPhones, it's possible that we could see Apple-created ARM chips in other consumer devices—even HDTVs—if Apple wants to try and stake out more consumer electronics turf.

Source: Arstechnica.com