Softbank Corp., which owns chip designer Arm Holdings, is rumored to be exploring options that could include full or partial sales Arm, but Apple is not interested in buying the company. Softbank Corp. contacted Apple to see if it might want to buy Arm., Bloomberg said in a report that Mr. Nvidia might be interested in Arm

According to reports, the two companies had preliminary discussions, but apple did not intend to bid due to arm's licensing requirements and potential regulatory issues. This is mainly because arm's licensing business is not compatible with Apple's software and hardware business model. In addition, there may be regulatory concerns about apple having a key franchiser to supply to many of its competitors. Most importantly, companies that currently use ARM technology will not support a deal that does not continue to provide arm instruction set licenses equally to all parties.

An apple spokesman declined to comment.

Since apple has licensed its A chips in its iPhone and iPad, plans to use Arm chips in future Mac and begin the transition later this year, it is no less important for apple.

NVIDIA has been in contact with Softbank to discuss arm's potential deal, but other bidders are likely to appear, according to Bloomberg.

Softbank, on the other hand, is also considering a public offering as an alternative to private sales. The potential sale to NVIDIA or other partners may not have a significant impact on Apple or Apple's licensing of ARM technology, as such transactions will be accompanied by regulatory oversight and requirements.