Apple Reportedly Eyes Samsung, Intel U.S. Foundry for Core Chips Amid TSMC Constraints, Supply Diversification

发布时间：2026-05-06 14:44
作者：AMEYA360
来源：TrendForce
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Apple Reportedly Eyes Samsung, Intel U.S. Foundry for Core Chips Amid TSMC Constraints, Supply Diversification

　　Apple is reportedly weighing the possibility of having some of its core device chips manufactured by Samsung and Intel. According to Bloomberg, citing sources, the company has held preliminary discussions on using the two as alternative production partners for its main processors—potentially providing a second sourcing option alongside its longstanding supplier, TSMC.

　　Sources say the company has held early-stage discussions with Intel about leveraging its foundry services, while Apple executives have also visited a Samsung facility under construction in Texas that is expected to produce advanced chips.

　　That said, the report notes that neither effort has led to any orders so far. Engagements with both suppliers remain at a preliminary stage, as Apple continues to have reservations about adopting non-TSMC manufacturing technologies.

　　One of the key drivers behind Apple’s potential shift is supply constraints at TSMC, according to Bloomberg. As the report notes, Apple executives addressed the issue during the company’s quarterly earnings call last week, indicating that limited chip availability for iPhone and Mac devices is currently weighing on growth.

　　In early 2026, Tim Cook identified access to advanced-node manufacturing as the main bottleneck for Apple’s iPhone output, according to CNBC. He noted that production is constrained by limited capacity for the company’s A-series and M-series system-on-chip (SoC) chips, which are fabricated on TSMC’s 3nm process.

　　In addition, it also aims to maintain at least two suppliers for key components, allowing Apple to strengthen its negotiating leverage on pricing while reducing the risk of supply disruptions, Bloomberg adds.

　　Apple’s Reported Supplier Talks May Open Door for Intel Comeback, Samsung Gains

　　Apple’s talks with both companies reportedly began before the most recent supply constraints emerged. As Bloomberg notes, collaborating with Intel could offer an added advantage, potentially strengthening Apple’s ties with the Donald Trump administration. As for Samsung, the report indicates that it has already been working on supplying more peripheral components for Apple’s devices, including power management parts.

　　In an August 2025 press release, Apple also announced a partnership with Samsung to co-develop a new chip manufacturing technology at Samsung’s Austin fab. Citing industry sources, Business Korea adds that the chip Samsung is expected to produce will likely be used as an image sensor in future iPhones and other Apple products.

　　Separately, industry momentum appears to be building around Intel’s foundry push. According to Commercial Times, major tech firms including Google and Apple are weighing a shift to Intel’s foundry. The report adds that Apple’s M-series chips are evaluating Intel’s 18A-P node.

　　Apple’s potential shift could provide a boost to both Samsung and Intel. As the report notes, securing external customers for its foundry business is central to Intel’s turnaround strategy under CEO Lip-Bu Tan. Winning Apple as a client would mark a major milestone for Tan and could help draw in additional business. Samsung, meanwhile, would also stand to gain significantly from an endorsement by Apple.


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