Apple Chip Talks With Intel, Samsung Stir Silicon Industry
Apple’s most critical supply chain relationship just got complicated. For the first time, the company is seriously exploring US-based alternatives to TSMC. And the two names at the centre of that conversation are Intel and Samsung.
Apple has held exploratory discussions with Intel and Samsung to produce the main processors for its devices in the US. The move would offer a secondary option beyond longtime partner TSMC.
However, these talks are early. Apple executives visited a Samsung plant under development in Texas and separately held preliminary talks with Intel. Neither effort has resulted in any orders so far.
In addition, Apple’s motivation is not simply about cost. Tariffs under the Trump administration have made overseas manufacturing a political and financial liability. Therefore, building a US-based chip option is also a strategic and diplomatic move.
Apple has strong reasons to stay with TSMC. However, it also has strong reasons to worry. Apple’s main challenge centres on manufacturing scale. Intel and Samsung cannot reliably offer the production and scale that have made TSMC the dominant made-to-order chip manufacturer.
Apple is also concerned about using non-TSMC technology, with worries about reliability and consistency at scale.
As a result, the talks carry a clear qualifier. Apple has concerns about using non-TSMC technology and may not ultimately move forward with another partner.
Meanwhile, TSMC continues expanding in the US. The company committed $100 billion to five new US facilities. Therefore, even if Apple never places an order with Intel or Samsung, TSMC is already moving in the direction Washington wants.
What Intel and Samsung Actually Bring to Apple
Samsung makes sense as a distant option. It is the number two chip fabricator globally and has the technical capability to meet Apple’s demands. However, it would be vastly limited in capacity.
Intel’s angle is different. Rumours have suggested Apple could rely on Intel for Apple Silicon production as early as 2027 or 2028. Intel has been rebuilding its foundry business. However, its advanced node track record remains inconsistent.
In addition, even if talks with Intel and Samsung result in some US chip production, it would make only a small dent in TSMC’s dominance.
Therefore, the Apple chip manufacturing Intel Samsung story is less about replacing TSMC and more about creating a credible backup. That backup gives Apple political cover, supply chain resilience, and a negotiating card it currently does not hold.
