Apple has initiated discussions with Samsung and Intel regarding the production of essential device processors, aiming to lessen its reliance on TSMC. The iPhone manufacturer has engaged in preliminary talks with both companies, including a recent visit to a Samsung chip facility under construction in Texas.
Over the past decade, Apple has primarily depended on TSMC for the manufacturing of its system-on-chips (SoCs) for various products, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Concerns have arisen regarding supply chain flexibility, highlighted by former CEO Tim Cook during a recent earnings call. He noted that the company faces challenges due to a chip shortage and potential supply disruptions related to geopolitical tensions in Asia.
While Apple's plans for utilizing chips from Intel or Samsung remain uncertain, they are exploring options for future devices, particularly for 2028 non-Pro iPhones. Currently, TSMC is set to produce 100 million of Apple's SoCs in the United States by 2026, a fraction of the total units shipped, which reached 247.4 million iPhones in 2025.