Apple may move into chips to control more of its fate

Apple (AAPL) may get into the chip design business to gain more control over the development of its products. Currently, that work is done by outside companies. It has meant that the timing and accuracy of designs have not been entirely in the control of the PC and consumer electronics firm. And, like any company in America, Apple likes to control as much of its business and its products as it possibly can.

According toThe Wall Street Journal, "Apple could use the internally developed chips to sharply reduce the power consumption of its hit iPhone and iPod touch devices, and possibly add graphics circuitry to help its hardware play realistic game software and high-definition videos." The move may also allow Apple to keep its product development plans more secret than they already are.