Apple is in early-stage talks with Intel and evaluating Samsung Electronics facilities to reduce reliance on TSMC for critical chip production, according to Bloomberg. The move follows an internal reorganization led by new Chief Hardware Officer Johny Srouji, who split hardware teams into five divisions, including Silicon under veteran Sri Santhanam. TSMC has long supplied Apple’s advanced 3-nanometer chips, but geopolitical tensions around Taiwan and supply chain disruptions from AI data center demand have prompted diversification efforts. While Intel and Samsung could benefit from partnering with Apple, challenges remain: neither matches TSMC’s production scale or consistency, and Apple has concerns about adapting non-TSMC technology.

The U.S. government’s stake in Intel adds strategic weight to potential collaboration, but Bloomberg notes no formal orders exist yet. This shift aims to bolster supply chain resilience but remains uncertain.