Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

Apple’s acquisition of Intel’s smartphone modem business is all about control

Jack Stewart Jul 26, 2019
HTML EMBED:
COPY
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Apple’s acquisition of Intel’s smartphone modem business is all about control

Jack Stewart Jul 26, 2019
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
HTML EMBED:
COPY

Apple is spending $1 billion to buy the majority of Intel’s wireless modem business, which comes with technology patents and 2,200 employees.

The move is part of Apple’s long-term plan to bring as much of its supply chain in-house as possible.

Apple isn’t the only technology firm that wants to control its silicon supply. Amazon Web Services, Google and Tesla are all building chips they need for their businesses. That allows them to customize, reduce costs and, crucially, maintain control over the supply of these increasingly vital components.

Click the audio player above to hear the full story.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.