Review the chip designer Arm Holdings—whose patents Apple, among many tech companies large and small, licenses for its iPhone chips.
Would be worth the effort.
Overview of ARM Holdings:
Company History: ARM Holdings was founded in 1990 as a joint venture between Acorn Computers,
Apple, and VLSI Technology. It was headquartered in Cambridge, England. ARM's primary
focus was on designing and licensing microprocessors and related technologies for a wide
range of applications, including mobile devices, embedded systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Business Model: ARM was known for its business model of licensing its intellectual property
(IP) and processor designs to semiconductor manufacturers, including Qualcomm, Samsung,
and Apple. These manufacturers would then integrate ARM's technology into their own chips,
creating a wide ecosystem of ARM-based processors.
Industry Influence: ARM's designs were highly influential and dominant in the mobile
device industry. The vast majority of smartphones and tablets used ARM-based processors.
Acquisition by SoftBank: In 2016, ARM Holdings was acquired by the Japanese multinational
conglomerate SoftBank Group for around $32 billion. This acquisition allowed ARM to continue
its growth and expand into emerging markets like IoT and autonomous vehicles.
Technology and Innovation: ARM was known for its energy-efficient processor designs, which
were crucial for the battery life and performance of mobile devices. The company continued
to innovate in areas like artificial intelligence and machine learning as well.
Partnerships: ARM had numerous partnerships with technology companies, software developers,
and semiconductor manufacturers, making it a critical player in the technology ecosystem.
Licensing Model: ARM's revenue came primarily from licensing its technology and receiving
royalties from semiconductor companies that used its designs. This licensing model allowed ARM
to have a widespread presence across various industries.
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