Apple acquires low-power chip developer Passif Semiconductor

Apple has acquired Passif Semiconductor to further its efforts in building its own chips, Jessica Lessin reports.

Passif, which was founded by two UC Berkeley PhD students, specializes in low-energy chips that make use of Bluetooth LE. Khosla Ventures invested in Passif back in 2008, reportedly to the tune of $1.6 million.

Apple said last year that it has “ambitious plans” for its processor division. Other semiconductor acquisitions by the company include P.A. Semi in 2008 and Intrinsity in 2010.

Last year, the iPhone maker bought Authentec, a biometric security startup. Recent hints have suggested that Apple is looking to introduce fingerprint identification in iOS 7.

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