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Apple is exploring a significant shift in its semiconductor supply chain, holding early discussions with Intel and Samsung Electronics to produce the main processors used in its devices, according to Bloomberg. The move would mark a potential diversification away from its long-standing reliance on TSMC, Apple's exclusive partner for more than a decade.
Bloomberg reported that Apple has held exploratory talks with Intel about using Intel's foundry services for systems-on-a-chip (SoCs), while also visiting Samsung's advanced chip facility under development in Texas. The discussions remain preliminary and have not resulted in any orders, with all three companies and TSMC(2330.TW) declining to comment. According to Bloomberg, Apple remains cautious about adopting non-TSMC technologies due to concerns over performance, scale, and manufacturing maturity.
Industry observers also point to Apple's earnings commentary, which indicates that constraints in advanced-node supply have become a bottleneck for record product revenues. While Apple has continued to benefit from strong demand for devices such as Macs and iPhones, executives have indicated that availability of leading-edge chips—rather than memory—has become the primary limiting factor for production growth.
https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20260505VL211/apple-intel-samsung-ic-manufacturing-production.html
Bloomberg reported that Apple has held exploratory talks with Intel about using Intel's foundry services for systems-on-a-chip (SoCs), while also visiting Samsung's advanced chip facility under development in Texas. The discussions remain preliminary and have not resulted in any orders, with all three companies and TSMC(2330.TW) declining to comment. According to Bloomberg, Apple remains cautious about adopting non-TSMC technologies due to concerns over performance, scale, and manufacturing maturity.
Advanced node shortages emerge as key constraint for Apple's growth
The report comes at a time when Apple is facing increasing supply constraints in advanced semiconductor nodes. Bloomberg noted that "a lack of chips for the iPhone and Mac was constraining growth," with CEO Tim Cook acknowledging that the company has "less flexibility in the supply chain than we normally would." The shortages are driven in part by surging demand from AI data centers, which has tightened global capacity for leading-edge wafers. Apple has historically accounted for roughly a quarter of TSMC's revenue, but the report suggests that its relative priority may be shifting as AI workloads absorb more advanced manufacturing capacity.Industry observers also point to Apple's earnings commentary, which indicates that constraints in advanced-node supply have become a bottleneck for record product revenues. While Apple has continued to benefit from strong demand for devices such as Macs and iPhones, executives have indicated that availability of leading-edge chips—rather than memory—has become the primary limiting factor for production growth.
Intel sees strategic opportunity as Samsung expands US footprint
If Apple moves forward with alternative suppliers, it would represent a structural shift in global semiconductor supply chains. Intel, under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, has been attempting to build credibility in its foundry business and views securing Apple as a potential breakthrough customer. A successful partnership would significantly validate Intel's advanced process roadmap and could attract additional external clients. Samsung, meanwhile, has invested heavily in its Texas-based manufacturing expansion, but has struggled to match TSMC's scale and yield performance in leading-edge nodes.Geopolitics and supply chain diversification reshape industry structure
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