Apple chip supplier Skyworks reportedly in talks to buy rival Qorvo
- ByStartupStory | October 28, 2025
Skyworks Solutions, a leading supplier of radio-frequency (RF) chips to Apple and other global smartphone manufacturers, is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire rival chipmaker Qorvo Inc. The proposed deal, expected to be valued at approximately $8 to $9 billion, aims to create one of the largest RF chip providers in the United States and rival global chipmakers in the hotly contested smartphone and wireless communication markets.
The Deal and Its Strategic Rationale
Skyworks plans to acquire Qorvo in a transaction likely involving a mix of cash and stock. According to industry sources, Qorvo shareholders could receive around $32.50 per share in cash plus 0.96 shares of Skyworks stock for each Qorvo share held—representing a total consideration of roughly $105 per share, which is about a 14% premium over Qorvo’s recent closing price. This would value Qorvo at close to $9.76 billion.
Together, the combined company is expected to have a market valuation exceeding $22 billion, becoming a dominant force in the RF chip sector that powers wireless communications for smartphones, automotive, industrial applications, and other consumer electronics.
Market Dynamics and Competition
RF chips are critical components enabling smartphones to connect to cellular networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Both Skyworks and Qorvo have long been crucial suppliers to Apple’s iPhone lines as well as to various Android smartphone makers. The race to deliver smaller, more powerful, and power-efficient RF modules has intensified as smartphone makers like Apple increasingly develop proprietary chips, such as the recently launched N1 chip in the iPhone 17 series, designed to integrate Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
Combining forces allows Skyworks and Qorvo to consolidate R&D efforts, reduce costs, enhance product portfolios, and better compete with Asian and European chipmakers, who have been expanding aggressively in this domain.
Leadership and Integration Plans
Skyworks CEO Phil Brace is expected to lead the merged company, while Qorvo’s CEO Bob Bruggeworth will join the board. The integration will focus on leveraging complementary strengths—Skyworks’ expertise in analog and mixed-signal solutions and Qorvo’s innovations in power management and custom RF designs.
The transaction is targeted to close by early 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Both companies declined immediate comment on the deal.
Investor Response and Industry Outlook
Following the news, shares of both companies surged in premarket trading—Qorvo’s stock jumped nearly 10%, and Skyworks also saw a notable increase, reflecting investor confidence in the synergistic potential of the merger.
Industry analysts highlight that while the smartphone market faced a downturn during the pandemic, a rebound in demand, particularly for 5G and emerging network technologies, is fueling renewed growth in RF chip demand. The combined Skyworks-Qorvo entity is better positioned to capitalize on these trends and secure long-term contracts with major device makers.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the promising outlook, challenges remain. Integration risks, regulatory hurdles, and the long-term impact of tech giants developing in-house RF chips could affect market dynamics. Apple’s growing focus on in-house radio chips may reduce its reliance on Skyworks and Qorvo over time, requiring the merged company to diversify into automotive, defense, and IoT markets.
Nonetheless, the merger underscores consolidation trends in the semiconductor industry, particularly in niche segments like RF chips, where scale and innovation cost efficiencies matter immensely.
Conclusion
The potential Skyworks acquisition of Qorvo signals a significant reshaping of the RF chip landscape critical to modern wireless communication. By joining forces, these two U.S.-based chipmakers aim to enhance competitiveness, innovation, and scale at a pivotal moment of rapid technological evolution in smartphones and connected devices.
As this high-profile deal moves toward closure, stakeholders across the semiconductor, smartphone, and tech ecosystems will be watching closely to evaluate its impact on global supply chains and market leadership.
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