Apple, the US technology giant behind the iPad and the iPhone, is understood to be looking at backing the prestigious award, which recognises novels written by women.

The prize, which was founded in 1996, has been supported by Orange, the mobile phone operator, since it was launched. However, the firm, which has since merged with T-Mobile to become Everything Everywhere, controversially withdrew its sponsorship in May. At the time, literary circles joked that Apple or BlackBerry could step into the breach to preserve the fruity theme, and quipped that they wanted to be able to "compare Apples with Oranges".

Now, in evidence that life is, if not stranger, then at least as strange as fiction, The Sunday Telegraphcan reveal that Apple has had talks with the award organisers.Sources said a number of companies, including Kobo, the ebook producer, had also indicated their interest but that discussions with Apple were the most advanced.The Cupertino-based company does not generally favour sponsorship deals, instead preferring to cultivate interest in its brands by shrouding product launches in secrecy.

Read the full article here.

Source: The Telegraph