Apple Explores U.S. Manufacturing with Intel, Samsung; TSMC Arizona to Supply 100M Chips
AAPL•Apple has held early-stage talks with Intel and Samsung on U.S. manufacturing of its system-on-chip processors to reduce dependence on TSMC. Constrained chip supply, which CEO Tim Cook said is limiting growth, and a planned delivery of 100 million chips from TSMC’s Arizona plant underscore the diversification push.
1. Early Talks with Intel and Samsung
Apple has held early-stage discussions with Intel and Samsung about producing its main processors in the U.S., aiming to diversify beyond its long-standing reliance on TSMC.
2. Chip Supply Constraints
During the latest earnings call, CEO Tim Cook highlighted that constrained chip supply is limiting growth and reducing Apple’s usual supply chain flexibility.
3. TSMC Arizona Campus Ramp-Up
TSMC’s Arizona facility is set to supply about 100 million chips to Apple this year, representing only a fraction of total demand but marking a step toward onshore production.
4. Strategic Diversification Implications
Pursuing U.S. manufacturing could bolster supply chain resilience and align with government semiconductor initiatives, though Apple continues to evaluate cost, capacity and technical feasibility.
