Apple is developing its own GPU for the iPhone and iPad
Apple will be building its own GPU for the iPhone and iPad with the ending of a long term partnership with Imagination Technologies.
Image source: Apple
Apple is gaining more control over the hardware of its iPhone and iPad with the ending of a longstanding partnership with Imagination Technologies.
In a press statement, Imagination reveals that Apple will be replacing its PowerVR GPU - which is found in the iPhone and iPad - with a custom made GPU of its own. Apple will not use the intellectual property (IP) of Imagination for GPU in the next 15-24 months.
Imagination - Apple has used Imagination’s technology and intellectual property for many years. It has formed the basis of Graphics Processor Units (“GPUs”) in Apple’s phones, tablets, iPods, TVs and watches. Apple has asserted that it has been working on a separate, independent graphics design in order to control its products and will be reducing its future reliance on Imagination’s technology.
By revealing the iPhone maker's plans publicly, Imagination is setting itself up for a potential patent battle. It is confident that Apple will face extreme challenges in developing its own GPU without infringing on its IP.
No matter how things go from here, Imagination will ultimately be at the losing end as the bulk of its revenue is dependent on Apple. Its share price has plunged 69% since this news surfaced.
Source: Imagination via TechCrunch
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