Huawei can use ARM chip technology as it doesn’t come under US ban

In a major sigh of relief for Huawei, UK-based ARM, whose designs form the basis of nearly every mobile processor we see in the market today, has decided to continue supplying chip technology to it. ARM had halted “all active contracts, support entitlements, and any pending engagements” with Huawei in May in the wake of a Trump government directive that all but bans all US companies – or companies dealing with US-origin technologies - from engaging in trade with the Chinese brand.  

As it turns out, ARM can continue to supply Huawei chip technology that’s of UK-origin. “ARM’s v8 and v9 are UK-origin technologies. ARM can provide support to HiSilicon for the ARM v8-A architecture, as well as the next generation of that architecture, following a comprehensive review of both architectures, which have been determined to be of UK origin,” an ARM spokeswoman was quoted by Reuters. 

To be clear, ARM doesn’t directly make mobile chips. Instead, it provides blueprints that brands like Huawei’s HiSilicon acquire through licensing, and then they manufacture their own custom chips (like the Kirin 980 and Kirin 990) basis of those designs. This means, with ARM technology out of the picture, a processor like the Kirin 980 or Kirin 990 will cease to exist. 

While the Kirin 980 and Kirin 990 already exist and chances are Huawei may have already acquired necessary licensing from ARM to build its next-generation Kirin SoC, the future of the version(s) after was jeopardized following ARM’s decision to pull out from doing business with it in May. Back in May, it was reported that ARM’s designs contain “US origin technology” which is why it “believes it is affected by the Trump administration's ban.”   

Moreover, while the Trump administration's ban gives a reprieve until November to Huawei to sort of ease into things (so it could possibly ensure existing devices aren’t affected), all ARM staff was asked to cut all business ties with Huawei immediately (in May). This reportedly included “providing support, delivery technology (whether software, code, or other updates), engage in technical discussions, or otherwise discuss technical matters with Huawei, HiSilicon or any of the other named entities.” 

Also Read:  Huawei In Hot Soup As ARM Cuts Ties Effectively Killing The HiSilicon chip: Report