Apple could turn to Samsung as a plan B for its iPhone and Mac chips

Source: Android Authority

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

TL;DR

• Apple is considering partnering with Samsung and Intel to manufacture chips in the US.
• It may rely on these partners if TSMC cannot meet demand due to limited supply at the new US fab and growing pressure from AI companies.
• The talks are still preliminary and far from finalized.

Apple’s Search for Alternative Foundries

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) currently handles nearly three‑quarters of global chip fabrication. The recent surge in demand for AI‑related chips has strained TSMC’s capacity, prompting mobile phone makers and chip companies to explore other foundries. Qualcomm, for example, is already leaning on Samsung for part of its flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chips.

Apple is now exploring a similar option, especially as the U.S. government emphasizes expanding domestic manufacturing. According to a recent Bloomberg (paywalled) report, Apple has held preliminary talks with Samsung and Intel to meet its “main” chip requirements. Apple executives have visited Samsung’s upcoming fabrication facility in Taylor, Texas, a $17 billion plant expected to be operational by the end of 2026.

The report notes that these efforts have not yet materialized into concrete agreements. Even if partnerships form, Samsung and Intel may not fully replace TSMC in terms of finesse or capacity, especially for Apple‑designed products.

Supply‑Chain Concerns Highlighted by Tim Cook

During a recent earnings call, Apple’s outgoing CEO Tim Cook acknowledged the supply‑chain crunch, noting that chipmakers are struggling to meet AI data‑center demand. He emphasized that Apple’s primary concern is securing advanced nodes for its in‑house A‑ and M‑series chips, rather than RAM shortages that affect competitors.

Potential Benefits of a Samsung‑Intel Partnership

• U.S. Government Support: Intel received a roughly $9 billion relief package under the Trump administration, which was highlighted as a success for the U.S. economy.
• Existing Supplier Relationship: Samsung already supplies Apple with displays and memory modules and has confirmed collaboration on a new chip‑making technology in the U.S.
• Strategic Leverage: Multiple suppliers give Apple greater negotiating power and reduce risk if geopolitical tensions disrupt Taiwan‑China supply lines.

Outlook

While Samsung is better positioned to supply chips to Apple, the company prefers a diversified supplier base to maintain leverage and geographic resilience. The discussions with Samsung and Intel remain in early stages, and it is unclear how much of Apple’s future chip production they will ultimately handle.