Apple said to be talking to Intel and Samsung about building key device processors

Source: Engadget

Apple’s Search for New Chip Suppliers

Apple has reportedly approached Samsung and Intel about building “main device chips” to reduce its dependence on TSMC, according to Bloomberg. The iPhone maker is said to have had early‑stage talks with Intel and recently visited a Samsung chip plant under development in Texas. No orders have been placed yet, and talks with both suppliers remain preliminary.

Reliance on TSMC and Supply‑Chain Concerns

Over the last decade Apple has relied mainly on TSMC to fabricate the system‑on‑chips (SoCs) that power its iPhones, iPads, and, more recently, Macs. Apple’s leadership has expressed discomfort with having a single supplier for such a critical component. Former CEO Tim Cook highlighted the issue during Apple’s earnings call, saying “we have less flexibility in the supply chain than we normally would.”

The concern is amplified by the ongoing chip shortage, which has diverted manufacturing capacity toward AI products. Apple also worries about supply disruptions should geopolitical tensions affect Taiwan, where most of TSMC’s facilities are located.

Domestic Production Plans

TSMC now builds some of Apple’s chips at its Phoenix, Arizona plant, and Apple announced that 100 million of its SoCs will be produced in the United States in 2026. This would cover only a small fraction of Apple’s devices, as the company shipped 247.4 million iPhones in 2025 (CNBC). The majority of Apple’s SoCs continue to be manufactured in Taiwan.

Apple is expected to use TSMC’s 2 nm (N2) process for the A20 and A20 Pro processors that will power the iPhone 18 lineup. Any chips built by other manufacturers would therefore target products launching in 2027 or later. Bloomberg notes that “Apple has concerns about using non‑TSMC technology and may not ultimately move forward with another partner.”

Potential Partners: Intel and Samsung

Intel

Apple has been rumored to consider Intel’s upcoming 14A process (approximately 1.4 nm class) for non‑Pro iPhones slated for 2028, as a way to diversify its supply chain. Winning Apple as a customer would be a major win for Intel, which has struggled to regain momentum under CEO Lip‑Bu Tan. The U.S. government previously took an $8.9 billion stake in Intel (Engadget).

Samsung

Samsung recently claimed to be the first to produce a 2 nm mobile chip—the Exynos 2600—positioning itself ahead of Intel and TSMC (MacRumors). However, both Samsung and Intel have faced challenges over the past decade in moving to smaller, more efficient designs, dealing with issues such as overheating (Times of India) and low chip yields (Engadget).

Outlook

While Apple’s exploration of alternative chip manufacturers reflects a desire to mitigate supply‑chain risk, the company’s current technology roadmap remains heavily tied to TSMC’s advanced processes. Whether Intel or Samsung will secure a foothold in Apple’s future devices depends on their ability to catch up technologically and demonstrate reliable, high‑volume production capabilities.