White still likes ST Micro for its focus on higher-margin chips for such gadgets as mobile phones and digital cameras.

FORBES: Another Look

But ST Micro's estimated earnings growth rate in 2000 should be nearly 40%, well above the European technology group average of 29%.

FORBES: One ratio does not fit all

In the past, Apple has relied on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chips from Broadcom, flash memory from Toshiba, and gyroscopes and accelerometers from ST Micro.

FORBES: Inside The Next iPhone: What One Teardown Shop Will Look For

In addition, hardware acceleration for Adobe AIR is enabled across all major silicon partners including Broadcom, Intel, nVidia, ST Micro, Trident, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm and others.

ENGADGET: Adobe announces Air 2.5 for TVs, tablets and phones, launches Adobe InMarket to package apps