In a statement published today on its Web site, Imagination said Apple has been working on its own graphics processing technologies with the goal of replacing Imagination's chips in its products. Apple has used Imagination's system-on-a-chip (SoC) technology in its iPhones, iPods, iPads, and other devices for many years.
Imagination said in its statement that it "does not accept" Apple's claims to have developed new graphics processor unit (GPU) technologies without infringing on Imagination's own intellectual property. Noting that it reserves the right to challenge any unauthorized uses of its technology, Imagination added that it plans to release a further announcement about the matter "in due course."
Apple did not immediately respond to our request for comment.
Recent advances in chipmaking processes, and the growing presence of processors in a wide range of Internet-of-Things, virtual-reality and augmented-reality devices, have helped fuel growing competition in the CPU (central processing unit) and GPU markets. The technology's use can also lead to disputes between chip manufacturers and product companies that must pay those manufacturers licensing fees.
In January, for instance, the Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint accusing chipmaker Qualcomm of unfair and uncompetitive business practices by forcing Apple into an exclusive arrangement to use its broadband processors. Qualcomm faces similar allegations in South Korea and Europe.
"Apple's notification has led Imagination to discuss with Apple potential alternative commercial arrangements for the current license and royalty agreement," Imagination said in its statement. "Imagination...