Imagination Technologies Group (ITG), developer of PowerVR MBX graphics technology used in iPhone, iPod Touch and other advanced mobile phones announced that Apple has purchased 8.2 million pieces company share. It gives Apple 3.6% ownership in the company. This transaction also confirmed that Apple will implement PowerVR technology on next Apple iPhone & iPod Touch.

PowerVR MBX used iPhone at this time is using the OpenGL ES 1.1 to provide extraordinary graphics capability. But ITG still have a more sophisticated technology that is PowerVR SGX & PowerVR VXD. They potentially improve the performance of iPhone graphics to the next level. SGX is compatible with the latest version of OpenGL ES 2.0 that resembles a shader engine to bring a realistic 3D graphics. Aside from that, SGX is also backwards compatible with MBX and more efficient.

As presented by Apple Insider, ITG already allow Samsung to produce the chip PowerVR SGX and VXD. Seeing the large amount of funds allocated by Apple to strengthen the product lines, such as investing in ITG and acquires semi low PA chip manufacturer. This indicates the importance of mobile segment for Apple long-term plan.