Apple Explores Intel, Samsung Foundries as TSMC Expands Phoenix Plant
Apple has held preliminary supply-chain talks with Intel and Samsung and sent executives to a Samsung Texas plant, challenging Taiwan Semiconductor’s long-standing manufacturing role. Taiwan Semiconductor is expanding its Phoenix plant to produce 100 million chips for Apple in 2026 as advanced-node shortages intensify from AI data-center and Mac AI demand.
1. Apple Explores Backup Foundries
Apple has held exploratory talks with Intel about using its chipmaking services and sent executives to assess Samsung’s advanced Texas facility under development. These discussions remain preliminary with no orders placed, but signal a potential shift from Apple’s decade-long reliance on Taiwan Semiconductor.
2. Advanced-Node Supply Constraints
Apple’s latest devices use 3-nanometer chips, and recent shortages driven by AI data-center buildouts and stronger Mac demand have exposed capacity limits. CEO Tim Cook noted advanced-node availability as the primary constraint and said it could take several months for supply and demand to rebalance.
3. Taiwan Semiconductor’s Expansion Plan
Taiwan Semiconductor is expanding its Phoenix, Arizona plant and plans to supply Apple with 100 million chips in 2026. This buildout aims to bolster advanced-node capacity, but may cover only a fraction of Apple’s annual device production amid rising global demand.