Apple licenses the architecture(instruction set), but the chip design is theirs, I think

I would assume they had protected themselves before the SoftBank purchase. Also, it's odd that they refer to the new stuff as Apple Silicon.

>Also, it's odd that they refer to the new stuff as Apple Silicon.

Apple supposedly pays intel more for their CPUs than other OEM to avoid having their sticker on Macs; So I don't see this as odd, it's usual Apple branding tactic and from the looks of it(ARM being under threat of sale) it seems to be a wise decision as an average Apple customer wouldn't mind if it switches the architecture for its silicon.

>Apple supposedly pays intel more for their CPUs than other OEM to avoid having their sticker on Macs;

It would be more accurate to say Apple does not receive the Marketing Discount from Intel.

In reality i seriously doubt those discount dont materialise. Intel could have given the TB3 controller for free as part of the deal. Likely less than the Sticker Discount, but still a decent cost saving.

I don't think Intel stickers are mandetory. Some other OEM don't have them either.

Intel gives you a discount for putting stickers on there though.

Apple did make a big thing of it when they switched to Intel.