Apple to acquire Twitter? [Update: Electronic Arts too?]

Seth Weintraub
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May 05, 2009
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That's the rumor that Techcrunch is throwing out there this morning.  The cash amount?  $700 million.  Does this make sense for Apple?  Where would it fit?

Google tried to buy it but was rebuffed by Twitter CEO Evan Williams, says a source with knowledge of the talks. Today, though, rumors popped up that Apple may be looking to buy Twitter. “Apple is in late stage negotiations to buy Twitter and is hoping to announce it at WWDC in June,” said a normally reliable source this evening, adding that the purchase price would be $700 million in cash.

We're thinking this is unlike Apple and very unlikely, but never say never.  Apple did start Twittering their Trailers feed, and it is no secret that Twitter founders are big Apple fans.  That's about all we could come up with.

Update: A much better fit (but from a bad source), especially with where Apple has been going lately, is Electronic Arts.  Fast(way to lose your)Money has the quote:

Adami noted that there is chatter that Apple is eyeing Electronic Arts as a takeover target.

On a seperate note: Twitterers, remember to pick up 9to5mac's Twitter feed here.

 

Comments (9)

vince stevenson (not verified) | May 05, 2009 - 7:48am

From my discussions with other twits on the web, this would be a disaster. Lots of people would walk out and just leave it to the cobwebs. People are happy with Twitter's independence. It'll be a shame if it is swallowed up by one of the majors. Rgds Vince

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | May 05, 2009 - 8:36am

Why?

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | May 05, 2009 - 8:46am

maybe apple could make the frickin thing work proper. How many times do I go and it's down, or over loaded, or down, or overloaded?

Jensonb (not verified) | May 05, 2009 - 8:49am

I doubt Apple will buy either of these - but Steve Jobs's other business Disney might acquire EA.

muflon (not verified) | May 05, 2009 - 9:13am

Imagine native twitter support on the Iphone. You could see all updates right in the address book without a separate app!!!

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | May 05, 2009 - 9:19am

Disney would never buy EA IMO, but if you do remember, that one Microsoft guy who worked on the XBOX joined Apple and it seems that Apple might be looking into some gaming. EA would be a good fit for Apple and gamers, but it all remains to be told.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | May 05, 2009 - 10:00am

EA publishes for so many systems. Why would Apple ever buy them? That doesn't make any sense on any level, they are a 3rd party publisher.

Mr Lizard (not verified) | May 05, 2009 - 10:57am

Apple also writes software for Windows.

Over time, they could make EA's software Mac/iPhone/Apple TV only, or at least make these versions better, with extra features etc.

But I don't personally think they'll go for it... although I might be wrong. It's happened before.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | May 05, 2009 - 11:06am

I highly doubt this. EA makes tons of games that I doubt Apple would be interested in continuing to support. Games like the Battlefield series, which has new titles that I'm very excited about, probably wouldn't fit into Apple's approach of easy, accessible. I love Apple, but Battlefield and many of the games EA produces are aimed at a much different audience. Just my 2 cents, feel free to prove me wrong :)