UK Edition
Apple steps up graphics chip plans with London hiring spree
Apple is embarking on a hiring spree in London as it ramps up efforts to develop its own graphics technology just days after pulling the plug on Imagination Technologies.
Job adverts posted in the last month reveal a string of openings at Apple’s “UK Design Centre” for roles in graphics unit design. It is likely to increase fears that Imagination will lose more staff to the iPhone maker after dozens of employees have jumped ship from the Hertfordshire-based group.
Last week, Imagination was thrown into chaos when it emerged that Apple planned to stop using its designs for the graphics chips that power the iPhone and iPad.
The British group, which relies on Apple for more than half of its revenues, suffered a 62pc share price fall and analysts said the company faces the prospect of a break-up.
Apple’s openings reveal around a dozen new opportunities for roles in designing and supporting the graphics architecture, the technology that Imagination currently licenses to Apple.
Imagination’s current employees are likely to be a key target. Profiles on the networking website LinkedIn reveal that at least 25 former Imagination staff have joined Apple in the last two years in San Francisco and London. They include John Metcalfe, Imagination’s former chief operating officer.
Imagination has challenged Apple’s claims that the US company will be able to build its own graphics technology. It said it would enter negotiations with Apple but did not rule out the prospect of legal action.
Imagination has licensed its graphics designs to Apple for a decade, and revenue from the contract is expected to rise from £60.7m to £65m this year. Apple now plans to be using its own designs within two years, Imagination said on Monday.