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Apple is reviewing new US chipmaking options as advanced processor supply remains tight across the technology sector. The company has held early talks with Intel and visited Samsung’s Texas chip facility, according to people familiar with the plans.
The discussions remain at an early stage. Apple has not placed orders with Intel or Samsung, and the company may still continue to rely mainly on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. for its main device chips.
Apple has explored using Intel and Samsung Electronics to produce main processors for its devices in the United States. These processors power products such as the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
The talks would give Apple a possible backup to TSMC, its long-time chip manufacturing partner. However, the discussions remain ‘exploratory,’ and no production deal has been reached.
Apple executives have also visited Samsung’s chip plant under development in Texas. The facility is expected to produce advanced chips and could support Apple’s broader plan to add more US-based supply options.
At the same time, Apple has held early talks with Intel about using its foundry services. Intel is trying to attract outside customers as part of its chipmaking recovery plan under CEO Lip-Bu Tan.
Apple’s interest comes as chip supply constraints affect some of its key products. The company said during its recent earnings call that limited advanced chip supply has restricted growth in Mac and iPhone sales.
Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said, “We have less flexibility in the supply chain than we normally would.” His comment showed the pressure Apple faces as demand for advanced processors rises.
Cook also said, “The primary constraint is the availability of the advanced nodes our SoCs are produced on, not memory.” This suggests that Apple’s main challenge is securing enough advanced processors rather than memory chips.
The company also faces higher demand for Macs that can run artificial intelligence models locally. Besides that, the wider AI data center buildout has increased demand for advanced chip production capacity.
Apple has relied on TSMC for more than a decade to build its most advanced processors. The latest iPhones and Macs use chips made on 3-nanometer technology.
However, Apple has concerns about shifting some production to Intel or Samsung. The company worries about using non-TSMC technology because reliability, scale, and production quality remain important for high-volume products.
The reported talks include doubt about whether Apple will move forward. Sources said Apple ‘may not ultimately move forward’ with another partner.
Intel and Samsung also face challenges in matching TSMC’s production scale. TSMC remains the main supplier for advanced made-to-order chips and continues to hold a strong position in global chip manufacturing.
Apple prefers to use more than one supplier for major parts when possible. This approach gives the company more pricing options and helps reduce supply risks.
The company already uses several suppliers for screens across its product lineup. However, advanced processors are harder to source because only a few manufacturers can produce them at the required level.
Apple has also worked with TSMC to expand chip production in Arizona. The company said it expects to receive 100 million chips from Arizona in 2026, though that would cover only part of its yearly device shipments.
Meanwhile, Apple (AAPL) stock dipped slightly in premarket trading as investors assessed the report and ongoing concerns over advanced chip supply constraints.
Also Read: Apple Stock Analysis 2026: Is $250–$300 the New Normal?
