Apple Builds New Team of Chip Gurus

Apple has been steadily assembling a team of experts with the capability to design the company's own brand of chips, the Wall Street Journal reports. Insiders say the move—a major shift in strategy—will help Apple design new, exclusive features for its gadgets, and will eliminate the need for the company to share details of its work with outside vendors.

Apple-designed chips are unlikely to find their way into products any earlier than next year, sources say, but the company's hires hint at its strategy. Apple poached the chief technology officer from the graphics division of chip-maker Advanced Micro Devices this week—along with his predecessor—and  Apple's chip-related job postings seek experts in display management and handwriting recognition technology. (More chip stories.)