Apple is reportedly eyeing Intel and Samsung foundries for its A21 chips as TSMC supply constraints tighten

Apple has reportedly entered preliminary talks with Intel and Samsung as it explores a possible secondary source for its next-gen chips. Adding to the mix, hardware enthusiast Kepler suggests Apple's future A21 SoC might be the prime candidate for such a partnership, potentially breaking Apple's total reliance on TSMC.

Since the A10's debut, Apple has maintained a nearly decade-long relationship with TSMC. This partnership gave Apple exclusive priority access to TSMC's advanced node technologies, including 7nm, 5nm, 4nm, and 3nm processes.

However, the generative AI gold rush has placed significant strain on the Taiwanese giant. The demand for AI hardware has reached a point that, despite hitting its 3nm production goals, the foundry is now scrambling to add even more capacity just to keep up with the market. TSMC projects the ongoing shortages will last beyond 2027.

Washington's aggressive push for silicon sovereignty has reshaped Apple's supply chain strategy. With a strict mandate to prioritize American-made hardware, Apple is already on track to source over 100 million chips from TSMC's Arizona fab by the end of 2026.

Now viewed as a vital national asset, the U.S. government took a 10% equity stake in Intel last year. Intel's 18A-P process is described as a performance-enhanced variant of 18A, with reports citing 9% higher performance and 18% better efficiency than the base node. Some sources suggest that Apple's interest may have followed a review of Intel's early PDK (Process Development Kit) results. The entry-level A21 SoC is regarded by these observers as the most likely candidate for such a partnership.

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Apple personnel have also reportedly conducted high-level visits to Samsung's massive under-construction fab in Taylor, also deemed a national asset for the U.S. under the CHIPS Act. The facility is currently running risk production for its leading-edge 2nm node, utilizing advanced EUV lithography.

If Apple were to pivot toward Samsung Foundry, the target would almost certainly be the SF2 (2nm) node. Samsung's facility in Taylor, Texas, is scheduled to begin high-volume manufacturing of the process in 2027, which would align with the rumored launch of the A21.

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While Apple's future product roadmap is under wraps, the A21 is rumored to debut with the base iPhone 19. If Intel or Samsung were to handle the A21 and TSMC handles the Pro silicon, then Intel's 18A-P and Samsung's SF2 offerings may be evaluated by Apple as potentially comparable to TSMC's leading-edge nodes. This is just an inference. Pricing is likely a factor, but it's unlikely Apple would compromise the base iPhone's user experience.

It is important to note that this is just a rumor, with no official word from either firm on the matter. iPhones are high-volume products, with almost 250 million having been sold in 2025 alone. Even if you factor in just the base models, it represents a massive windfall of revenue and brand endorsement for whichever foundry catches the fish. If Intel or Samsung can prove their mettle with Apple Silicon, it could prompt other companies, such as Qualcomm and MediaTek, to consider diversifying their silicon production as well.