Google Snaps Up a Key Chip Designer From Apple

Google

According to a report by The Information, search engine giant Google has hired John Bruno, a key chip designer from Apple, who founded and ran the iPhone maker’s silicon competitive analysis group which has greatly helped iPhone and iPad processors stay ahead of the competition (via Engadget). 

“It’s reasonable to presume that the influx of new talent (which also includes veterans from Qualcomm) will be used to expand Google’s variety of custom processors. Right now, its only in-house silicon is the Pixel Visual Core imaging chip inside the Pixel 2. The question is just what Google will do with Bruno and others.”

While Bruno’s LinkedIn profile currently lists him only as a “System Architect”, the report does not say what he will be doing at Google. He started his career at graphics veteran ATI and rose to become a chief engineer at AMD where he led the design of Fusion processors, before joining Apple. 

Google’s latest hire is part of its ongoing quest to create custom processors. It is being speculated that Google is aiming at developing a full-fledged CPU for its phones, especially given Bruno’s background in graphics, although the company could also produce other specialized chips such as AI accelerators or display controllers.

Some of the other experienced chip engineers who have defected to Google from Apple over the past year, include Manu Gulati, Wonjae Choi and Tayo Fadelu.

P.S. - Like our news? Support the site with a coffee/beer. Or shop with our Amazon link. We use affiliate links when possible--thank you for supporting independent media.