Apple strengthens US manufacturing and develops its own screens to reduce dependence
Apple has recently taken big steps to become less dependent on third-party suppliers. For instance, the company has struck a billion-dollar deal with Broadcom to manufacture 5G parts in US factories. In addition, Apple is reportedly developing its own displays to reduce dependence on Samsung. These developments are aimed at increasing Apple's control over the production of key components and boosting future innovations. Read more here!
Apple strikes billion-dollar deal with Broadcom for US manufacturing
Apple has struck a very lucrative deal with Broadcom to manufacture 5G components in US factories. This deal includes FBAR filters, which are essential for processing mobile signals in iPhones and other Apple devices. Broadcom, long a key supplier to Apple, will start making these FBAR filters at their Colorado plant. This initiative will not only boost manufacturing in the US, but also create quite a few jobs (around 1,100). The deal with Broadcom is part of Apple's 2021 pledge to invest $430 billion in the US economy over five years, a target Apple says they are on track to meet.
More independence with own screens
Besides developing its own chips and modems, Apple is now also focusing on producing its own screens to reduce its dependence on Samsung, according to Nikkei Asia. The company is investing heavily in developing micro LED technology, which is considered the superior successor to OLED. Micro LED screens offer thin, colourful displays with high contrast, without the risk of burn-in. It also has lower power consumption than OLED. Apple plans to make a large-scale switch to in-house manufacturing at the start of production, giving the US company more control over future display technology. To realise this ambition, Apple will partner with companies such as LG Display, chipmaker TSMC and ams-Osram. Micro-LED screens are expected to be introduced on the Apple Watch first, due to its smaller size and lower circulation. Subsequently, the technology will be applied to the iPhone and other Apple products.
Apple remains forward-looking
With the recent billion-dollar deal with Broadcom for US manufacturing and development of its own screens, the California-based company has sent a clear signal to become less dependent on third-party suppliers. By bringing production of 5G components to the US and developing micro
