Apple is in talks to buy a stake in Renesas Electronics, a Japanese chipmaker whose technology could help improve the iPhone's battery life and make its screens sharper, according to a report.

Apple is said to be interested in Renesas SP Drivers, a a Renesas joint venture with Sharp and Powerchip, according to Nikkei Asian Review.

If the deal goes through, Apple will take Renesas' 55% share in the venture at a price of $479 million. Sharp owns 25% of the venture. Powerchip claims the remaining 20%. The transfer will be completed by this summer, according to the report.

Reps from Apple could not be reached for comment.

The news comes after the reports emerged last year that Apple plans to release iPhones with larger, curved screens this fall. The two models would sport 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays, a big increase from the current 4-inch screen.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.