Apple said Tuesday it struck a “new multiyear, multibillion-dollar agreement” with technology manufacturer Broadcom to develop 5G radio frequency components in the United States.
“We’re thrilled to make commitments that harness the ingenuity, creativity and innovative spirit of American manufacturing,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook.
“All of Apple’s products depend on technology engineered and built here in the United States, and we’ll continue to deepen our investments in the U.S. economy because we have an unshakable belief in America’s future,” he added.
Multibillion-dollar deal sees Broadcom making 5G components for Apple in the US
The Broadcom deal comes as Apple appeared recently to give up on making its own Wi-Fi chips, dropping production in January, according to an analyst. But work on Cupertino’s own custom 5G modem looks to be ongoing.
Apple said Broadcom will develop 5G radio frequency components. They will include FBAR filters and parts needed for wireless connectivity. FBAR abbreviates “film bulk acoustic resonator,” Broadcom’s bulk acoustic wave filter that reduces noise.
Design and manufacturing at several US hubs
Several American manufacturing and technology hubs will work on design and production of FBAR filters, Apple said. They will include Fort Collins, Colorado, home to a large Broadcom facility.
Apple noted it already has a relationship with Broadcom there.
“Apple already helps support more than 1,100 jobs in Broadcom’s Fort Collins FBAR filter manufacturing facility, and the partnership will enable Broadcom to continue to invest in critical automation projects and upskilling with technicians and engineers,” the company said.
And nationwide, Apple said it supports job growth in similar ways.
Across the country, Apple supports more than 2.7 million jobs through direct employment, developer jobs in the thriving iOS app economy, and spending with more than 9,000 U.S. suppliers and manufacturers of all sizes in all 50 states across dozens of sectors.
Big investments in 5G
Apple introduced 5G technology to its devices in 2020. That helped drive its adoption as well as job growth for companies working in the field.
“5G technology is shaping the future of next-generation consumer electronics — and Apple is spending tens of billions of dollars to develop this field in the U.S.,” the company said.
5G investments is part of the reason Apple committed in 2021 to invest $430 billion in the U.S. economy over five years.
Apple said it’s now on pace to meet its target through direct spending with American suppliers, investments in data centers, capital expenditures in the U.S. and other means.
Source: Apple
