Apple Becomes Largest Semiconductor Buyer in the World

According to new report from IHS iSuppli, Apple Inc. is the largest buyer of semiconductors.

Research showed that the Apple spent $17.5 billion in 2010 for buying semiconductors.

This is a 79.6 per cent increase from 2009 when it spent $9.7 billion. In 2009, Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Samsung spent more than Apple.

It is the first time that Apple has ranked No.1 in semiconductor spending among OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) globally.

HP was ranked high No.2, with $15.2 billion in semiconductor spending in 2010. Samsung was ranked no.3 with $13.9 billion in 2010. Also, HP has recently confirmed that its TouchPad webOS tablet will launch in the US on July 1 2011.

The reason for significant increase in semiconductor spending could be attributed to Apple's success in selling iPad, iPhone and iPod devices.

According to iSuppli Apple's success lies in its device and media ecosystem. Every Apple product is connected through iTunes/iOS and it leverages each device to sell other devices.