Intel Atom to power Apple’s next iPhone?

We already know that the next-generation iPhone 3G will be running computing cycles through its Samsung-sourced CPU, but what about the next next-generation iPhone? Previous speculation pointed to the iPhone 3G possibly including an Intel Atom processor, which proved to be off the mark, but not by much.

A research note from JoAnne Feeney at FTN Midwest indicates that Apple (NSDQ: AAPL)’s next iPhone may very well be powered by a processor from Intel’s new Atom family of low-cost, low-power processors. Intel is reportedly “well ahead” in their development schedule for the Atom family of processors.

We could see Intel debut their 32nm Atom chip at Intel Developers Forum in mid-August of this year. That would put Atom in line for applications in the next iPhone development cycle – likely aimed for a 2009 or 2010 launch. Of course, this is all speculation at this point.

Still, it would be interesting to see an Intel Atom-powered iPhone in the near future. You know, just in time to breathe fresh new life in to a by-then aging iPhone 3G.

[Via: SeekingAlpha]