Report: Apple considers Intel and Samsung to diversify chip manufacturing away from TSMC
Source: 9to5Mac
Bloomberg reports that Apple is in early‑stage talks with Intel and is evaluating facilities from Samsung Electronics as it seeks to diversify production of its core device chips beyond TSMC. Below are the key details.
Talks Still in Early Stages
According to Bloomberg, Apple is looking to reduce its reliance on TSMC by exploring alternative manufacturing partners.
The report mentions:
- Early‑stage discussions with Intel.
- Visits to a Samsung Electronics plant in Texas that is expected to produce advanced chips.
The news follows an internal reorg that combined Apple’s hardware‑engineering and hardware‑technologies teams under a single organization led by Johny Srouji, now the company’s Chief Hardware Officer.
As part of the reorganization, the hardware team was reportedly split into five key areas, one of which is Silicon, overseen by 18‑year Apple veteran Sri Santhanam.
Main challenges
- Scale and consistency – “Intel and Samsung can’t reliably offer the type of production and scale that’s turned TSMC into the dominant made‑to‑order chip manufacturer — and one of Apple’s most critical supply‑chain partners.” (Bloomberg)
- Supply‑chain disruptions – Recent shortages have been driven by the massive build‑out of AI data centers and higher‑than‑anticipated demand for Macs capable of running AI models locally.
- Geopolitical risk – Apple’s reliance on TSMC carries added weight given the broader tensions surrounding Taiwan and its relationship with China.
Why Intel and Samsung would benefit
- Intel – Landing Apple would validate its nascent foundry push under CEO Lip‑Bu Tan and rekindle a partnership that began in 2006.
- Samsung Electronics – Gaining Apple as a customer would boost its standing in the advanced‑chip market, where it still trails TSMC despite a more established foundry presence.
Broader context
- Apple’s push to bring advanced manufacturing back to the U.S. aligns with its broader supply‑chain diversification strategy.
- The U.S. government now holds an equity stake in Intel, which could make a partnership especially attractive from a policy perspective.
Note: Bloomberg says discussions with Intel and Samsung remain at an early stage, with no orders in place. Apple “has concerns about using non‑TSMC technology and may not ultimately move forward with another partner.”
To read Bloomberg’s full report, follow this link.
Worth Checking Out on Amazon
- David Pogue – Apple: The First 50 Years
- MacBook Neo
- Logitech MX Master 4
- AirPods Pro 3
- AirTag (2nd Generation) – 4 Pack
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Wireless CarPlay Adapter
FTC: We use income‑earning auto‑affiliate links. More…