CNBC reports that recent job listings from Apple indicates the company is working on custom chips to process data from health sensors, like those found on their popular Apple Watch.
CNBC:
A July 10 job posting from Apple’s Health Sensing hardware team says, “We are looking for sensor ASIC architects to help develop ASICs for new sensors and sensing systems for future Apple products. We have openings for analog as well as digital ASIC architects.”
The hires could be part of an effort on Apple’s part to do a better job of interpreting information coming from health sensors inside its devices.
The effort hints at Apple’s ability to pump out custom chips on as-needed basis, reflecting a greater level of vertical integration than other technology companies. Building custom chips for narrow functions can help Apple add new features and improve efficiency of its hardware while protecting its intellectual property from would-be imitators.
The CNBC report hints at new sensors being planned for the future, which would be used alongside the heart rate and motion sensors found in current Apple devices.
CNBC reports that Apple declined to comment on the job listings. As pointed out by 9to5Mac, the job listings could actually be for development of current biomedical sensors instead of new ones.
We’ll keep you posted.