So much so that it seems that Apple could have inspired one of its chief rivals, Microsoft. According to a report from Bloomberg, it seems that Microsoft is also interested in making its own ARM-based chipsets where it could be used to power future Surface computers as well as being powerful enough to be used by Microsoft’s own data centers.
As it stands, Microsoft sort of has their own chipset in the form of the SQ1 used in the Surface Pro X. However, that chipset is based on an existing Qualcomm design, meaning that it’s more of a collaborative effort between both companies. The Bloomberg report is suggesting that Microsoft wants something more in-house.
Microsoft has since responded to Bloomberg’s report where according to Microsoft spokesperson Frank Shaw, “Because silicon is a foundational building block for technology, we’re continuing to invest in our own capabilities in areas like design, manufacturing and tools, while also fostering and strengthening partnerships with a wide range of chip providers.”