Apple held early-stage negotiations with Intel and Samsung to produce the main processors used in its devices in the USA. In the company’s current production order, the main burden falls on TSMC. The new contacts brought to the agenda the possibility of a second US-based production line for the specially designed processors used by Apple in its products such as iPhone, iPad and Mac. Possibility of a new era for US production of Apple processors.
Apple’s contacts with Intel and Samsung do not mean a direct design change in the company’s chip strategy. The critical distinction here comes down to who designed the processors and who manufactured them. Apple designs its A series and M series processors in-house. On the production side, TSMC has been the main partner for a long time. The new discussions are not about Intel or Samsung designing processors for Apple, but about taking part in the production process of Apple-designed main chips.
Therefore, a possible deal does not mean Intel’s return to its former role as processor supplier for Macs. This time, Intel is on the table as an option for a foundry that provides production services, not a processor designer. On the Samsung side, the picture is a little different. Samsung was involved in the production of some iPhone processors in Apple’s past. In recent years, TSMC has come to the fore in Apple’s main processor production.
Despite this, Samsung maintained its strong position in the Apple supply chain on the screen, memory and different semiconductor components. The information that the negotiations are at an early stage is especially important. At this point, there is no announced decision that Apple has made a definitive agreement with Intel or Samsung for main processor production. Reuters also reported that it could not independently verify Bloomberg’s news.
This step by Apple comes amidst great activity in chip production in the USA. The company announced its program to increase US investments to 600 billion dollars in 2025 and announced that it was collaborating with Samsung’s facility in Texas on chip production. In Apple’s statement, it was stated that the chips to be produced in this facility will be components that optimize power and performance in Apple products, including the iPhone.
Samsung’s production presence in Texas is one of the notable headlines in terms of the US-based supply line for Apple. Intel, on the other hand, has been following a more aggressive strategy in recent years to expand its foundry business. The presence of a large and technically challenging customer like Apple on the side of Intel Foundry means a strong reference in terms of Intel’s production capability. However, there is no finalized agreement for this scenario yet.
Apple’s relationship with TSMC maintains its fundamental position in this process. TSMC stands out as the main partner in the production of Apple’s most advanced processors. Apple’s contact with Intel and Samsung does not mean a direct break from TSMC. The more realistic picture is shaped by Apple’s quest to not leave production dependent on a single supplier and a single geographical line. This issue is especially important on the iPhone and Mac side.
A series processors used in iPhones and M series processors used in Macs are among the parts that directly determine Apple’s hardware performance, power efficiency and product schedule. Capacity, efficiency or geographical risks in the production of these chips can be directly reflected in product availability and cost structure. More chip production in the USA is not limited to supply security for Apple. It also coincides with Washington’s policies to strengthen domestic semiconductor production.
Large technology companies have felt more pressure in recent years to move the production of critical components out of Asia or at least create alternative capacity. The Intel and Samsung option therefore opens up strategic flexibility for Apple. However, topics such as production quality, efficiency rate, cost, capacity and timing will be decisive here. Even the smallest production difference in Apple’s main processors can be reflected in areas such as performance, battery life and thermal design.
Therefore, the company is expected to make such a decision not quickly, but through long testing and verification processes.
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