Apple is quietly exploring ways to diversify its chip supply chain, holding early-stage discussions with Intel and Samsung Electronics to potentially manufacture processors for its devices, according to people familiar with the matter. As part of these efforts, Apple executives have visited a Samsung chip facility currently under development in Texas. Separately, the company has also initiated preliminary talks with Intel to assess its chipmaking capabilities, a reliable source noted.

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The move signals Apple’s intent to reduce its heavy reliance on long-time manufacturing partner Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). However, shifting away from TSMC is not straightforward. Apple is said to have concerns about whether alternative manufacturers can match TSMC’s standards in reliability, performance consistency, and production scale.

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So far, the discussions with both Samsung and Intel remain exploratory, with no confirmed orders or formal agreements in place.

The backdrop to these talks is Apple’s ongoing struggle with chip supply constraints. When reporting its most recent quarterly results, the company flagged continued pressure on processor availability. iPhone sales during the period were impacted by the limited supply of advanced chips – the critical components that power device performance, CEO Tim Cook had noted at the time.

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Currently, chips used in the iPhone 17 lineup are built on a version of TSMC’s advanced manufacturing technology, similar to the processes used for many high-end AI chips. While Apple continues to depend on TSMC for cutting-edge production, its outreach to Intel and Samsung suggests a longer-term strategy to build greater resilience into its supply chain.