Apple Inc. announced a major new partnership with Broadcom, one of its longtime supplier partners. Apple is calling it a “multi-billion dollar deal” that will see Broadcom develop and produce some key 5G RF components in the United States.
Under the partnership, Broadcom will develop and produce a range of key 5G RF components in the U.S., including FBAR filters and cutting-edge wireless connectivity components. FBAR filters will be designed and manufactured at several U.S. manufacturing and technology centers, including Ford Corinth, Colorado, where Broadcom has a major facility.
Apple said the company has helped support more than 1,100 jobs at Broadcom’s FBAR filter manufacturing facility in Ford Corinth, Colo. The partnership with Apple will allow Broadcom to “continue to invest in critical automation projects and skills upgrades for technicians and engineers.
Apple said the investment is part of the company’s 2021 plan to invest $430 billion (currently about RMB 3.03 trillion) in the U.S. economy over the next five years. To date, Apple said it is “on track to achieve its goals through direct spending with U.S. suppliers, data center investments, U.S. capital expenditures and other domestic spending.
The partnership agreement with Broadcom comes as Apple also continues to develop its own in-house technology to achieve a reduced reliance on Broadcom-supplied components such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi components. For example, Apple is reportedly working on a chip that integrates Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality, which could be available as early as 2025. Apple has also been working on its own version of other iPhone components, such as an RF chip and wireless charging components, which are also currently provided by Broadcom.
