Apple Inc.'s plans to expand in San Diego by creating 1,000 jobs over the next three years has the region's local commercial brokerage circles buzzing over speculation that the iPhone maker might set up shop in one of Irvine Co.'s University Town Center office buildings.

Apple has not confirmed the exact location of its newest San Diego site. But several San Diego commercial office brokers from multiple firms -- citing their own sources but not directly involved in talks -- told CoStar News the region's largest office landlord could be in talks to bring part of the world's top company based on stock market value to its three-story Eastgate Terrace building in UTC.

Irvine Co. officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. CoStar data indicates that Irvine Co. completed the 96,543-square-foot Eastgate Terrace, at 9779 Towne Centre Drive, in 2017 but has not announced tenants.