Apple’s Early Talks With Intel, Samsung Threaten TSMC after Arizona Fab’s 100M Chip Output
TSMC’s Phoenix fab will deliver 100 million chips this year, a small share of Apple’s requirements, as Apple holds early talks with Intel and Samsung to diversify manufacturing. Intel shares jumped 14% to a record high on Apple order prospects, posing competition to TSMC and prompting supply risk review.
1. Apple Explores Alternative Foundries
Apple has held early-stage talks with Intel and Samsung about sourcing main processors for U.S. devices, driven by chip shortages and a desire to diversify beyond TSMC’s ecosystem. No orders are finalized and TSMC remains Apple’s primary supplier, but talks reflect strategic supply-chain shifts and geopolitical considerations.
2. TSMC’s Arizona Expansion
TSMC’s Phoenix fabrication plant is on track to deliver 100 million chips to Apple this year, representing a small share of overall demand. This expansion underscores TSMC’s efforts to increase domestic capacity for U.S. customers while countering potential competitive threats from Intel’s renewed foundry push.