Apple Inc announced the acquisition of Passif Semiconductor Corp, a developer for communication chip. Passif joins the list of small chip companies acquired by Apple Inc in the recent years. Passif is the developer of communication chip that requires less power consumption for devices to trade information with each other.

Apple Inc spokeswoman, Amy Bessette said, "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans."

In 2008, Apple Inc acquired P.A. Semi Inc., a designer for low-power processors that deliver more running power per watt of electricity. Apple is setting the standards for more efficient energy usage which is crucial for mobile products like the iPad and the iPhone.

In 2010, Apple acquired Intrinsity, another chip designer and gained the technology to speed up simple computing tasks. Apple is currently exploring ways to replace Intel Corp's processors which are used in Mac personal computers with a version that is similar to the technology used in their handheld devices.