Apple in Talks With Samsung and Intel to Produce “Key Device Chips”

Apple has reportedly approached Samsung and Intel about producing key device chips, as the company looks to reduce its reliance on TSMC.

According to Bloomberg, Apple has held early-stage discussions with Intel and recently visited a Samsung chip facility under development in Texas. No orders have been placed, and talks remain preliminary.

Apple has relied heavily on TSMC over the past decade to manufacture system-on-chips used in iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

However, the company has expressed concerns about depending on a single supplier. During a recent earnings call, CEO Tim Cook said Apple has “less flexibility in the supply chain than we normally would.”

The issue has been further affected by a global chip shortage, with manufacturing capacity shifting toward AI-related products.

Apple has also raised concerns about potential supply disruptions linked to geopolitical risks involving Taiwan, where most of TSMC’s production is based.

TSMC has begun producing some Apple chips at its Arizona facility, and Apple expects 100 million chips to be made in the US in 2026.

However, this would represent only a portion of its total demand, as Apple shipped 247.4 million iPhones in 2025.

Apple is expected to use TSMC’s 2nm process for its A20 and A20 Pro chips in the iPhone 18 lineup. Any chips produced by alternative manufacturers would likely be used in products launching in 2027 or later. It remains unclear which devices could adopt chips made by Intel or Samsung.

Both Intel and Samsung are currently behind TSMC in advanced chip manufacturing. Apple has reportedly considered Intel’s upcoming 14A process for non-Pro iPhones planned for 2028 as part of its diversification strategy.

For Intel, securing Apple as a customer would be significant as the company works to improve its position under CEO Lip-Bu Tan.

The US government previously took an $8.9 billion stake in Intel. Samsung recently announced progress with a 2nm mobile chip, but both Samsung and Intel have faced challenges over the past decade in improving efficiency and production yields.

Despite exploring alternatives, Apple is said to have concerns about using non-TSMC manufacturing and may not proceed with new partnerships.