Why Apple keeps buying companies - and how it's used them for maximum impact

From Beats and Siri, to firms you've never heard of, Apple keeps buying companies. Here's what impact that has had on Apple, how long it takes for an acquisition to make its mark with a new Apple feature, and what may be coming next.Off the record, company owners have told AppleInsider how being bought by Apple — or even having Apple just offering to buy you — is an intense experience. Apple does not casually buy any firm, it does always get the very best deal possible, and it will always hide what it's bought, if it can.Consequently, if you go just by what acquisitions Apple is obliged to report, you only see a fraction. In 2019, for instance, it's a matter of public record that Apple bought six firms, including Intel's smartphone modem business. Read more...