Here are your Apple rumors and AAPL news items for today:
No Intel Inside?: While Mac computers currently use Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) processors, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) would like to change that, Bloomberg notes. The company is considering a transition to alternative processors. However, switching away from Intel’s market-dominating chips would likely prove difficult. Until 2005, Apple used IBM‘s (NYSE:IBM) PowerPC chips to run Macs, but dropped IBM in favor of Intel. Apple has resisted using Intel’s Atom chips in its mobile devices, relying on the A-series processor for the iPad and iPhone. Apple discussed the possibility of deploying AMD (NYSE:AMD) processors in its Macs in 2010, but opted to stick with Intel. AMD would remain a possible chip supplier if Apple does drop Intel chips from its Macs.
Lightning Constriction: Apple is cracking down on third party accessories for the iPhone 5, AppleInsider notes. While Apple offers its own range of accessories for its mobile products, they tend to be significantly more expensive than products from third party manufacturers. With the iPhone 5’s launch, Apple has changed its “Made for iPhone” rules in order to delay third party manufacturers from producing products compatible with the new Lightning dock connector. The iPhone 5’s connector is smaller than previous iPhone, iPod and iPad connectors, meaning that existing docks won’t work with the new phone. iPhone 5 users will have to upgrade their accessories and the longer Apple can delay third party producers, the more it profits. Analysts say that with the new rules, third party manufacturers probably won’t have iPhone 5-compatible products ready in time for the holiday shopping season.
No Strings: Apple is developing wireless ear-buds for its mobile devices, CNET notes. The company has applied for a patent on technology permitting wireless transmission to ear-buds. Wireless headphones have been around for a number of years and are available from major manufacturers for most mobile devices. Most wireless devices use Bluetooth to transmit and receive data. The wireless ear-buds described in Apple’s patent application would also feature Bluetooth connectivity. According to the patent, Apple’s ear-buds would also allow connection to mobile devices via wires, permitting users to charge them. Once the wires are removed, wireless transmission and reception would automatically begin.
For more about the company, check out our previous Apple Rumors stories.
