ByteDance Plans 100,000 AI Chips With Samsung, Seeks Secure Memory Supplies
ByteDance is negotiating with Samsung to manufacture sample AI inference chips by the end of March and plans to produce 100,000 units this year, scaling to 350,000 units. This follows its 2024 collaboration with Broadcom on a 5nm ASIC design compliant with U.S. export controls.
1. ByteDance-Samsung Chip Talks
ByteDance is in advanced discussions with Samsung to have its custom AI inference chips manufactured, marking the first time the company will use a third party for large-scale chip production after two years of internal development.
2. Production Targets and Memory Supplies
The plan calls for sample deliveries by the end of March, an initial run of 100,000 inference chips this year and a gradual scale-up to 350,000 units, alongside negotiations to secure high-demand memory chip supplies.
3. Implications for Broadcom Partnership
After teaming with Broadcom in 2024 to design a 5nm ASIC compliant with U.S. export rules, ByteDance’s move to Samsung could divert volume away from Broadcom and reshape AI chip supplier competition.