Xiaomi Corp (小米) is preparing a self-designed mobile processor for its upcoming smartphones in an effort to reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers Qualcomm Inc and MediaTek Inc (聯發科).
The processor might help Xiaomi be more self-sufficient and stand out in an Android market led by Qualcomm customers.
Mass production of the chip designed in-house is expected to begin next year, people familiar with the matter said.
Photo: AFP
The timeframe underscores how Xiaomi is keen to join a growing number of tech majors investing in semiconductors, a key focus for Beijing in a broader tech race with the US.
For the Beijing-based company, it marks a foray into yet another cutting-edge field in a year in which Xiaomi also invested heavily in electric vehicles (EVs).
Developing in-house chipmaking expertise can help the company’s efforts toward making smarter and better-connected EVs, above and beyond more competitive mobile devices.
A Xiaomi spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.
Xiaomi’s nascent semiconductor work could pose a challenge for the chip manufacturer it contracts this production to, as industry leader Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (台積電) faces escalating pressure from US authorities to curtail its business with customers from China.
The Chinese smartphone maker, which counts Qualcomm as an early investor, works closely with its US partner, and has generally been content to optimize the main processor and augment it with power management and graphics enhancements.
Xiaomi will invest about 30 billion yuan (US$4.1 billion) in research and development next year, up from 24 billion yuan this year, chairman and chief executive officer Lei Jun (雷軍) said last month.
The research will focus on core technologies such as artificial intelligence, operating system improvements and chips, Lei said.
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