Apple Becomes Largest Buyer of Semiconductors

Technology research firm Gartner issued a report today confirming that Apple was the largest single buyer of semiconductors last year, being trailed only by Samsung and Hewlett-Packard.

Redefining the meaning of stating the obvious, Gartner points out that semiconductor spending increased because Apple sold more stuff, such as iPhones and iPads. The iPad business was a thriving one in 2011, said Gartner.

Sales of the MacBook Air also contributed to the increased semiconductor demand, said the firm.

Apple spent roughly US$17.3 billion on semiconductors alone during 2011. A year back, that figure was $12.8 billion, Gartner estimated.

For all electronics vendors, the major spending drivers were smartphones, tablets and solid-state drives, Gartner said.