Apple is exploring partnerships with Intel and Samsung to manufacture its main processors in the United States, according to Bloomberg. The company has held early-stage talks with Intel about using its chipmaking services, while Apple executives have visited a Samsung plant under construction in Texas that will produce advanced chips.

The discussions remain preliminary with no orders placed yet. Apple is cautious about relying on technology outside its longtime partner TSMC, which dominates advanced chip production. The company is seeking additional suppliers partly to prevent future shortages, as AI data center expansion has strained supply chains across the industry.

Heavy demand for Mac mini and Mac Studio has surged because of their suitability for running local AI models. During last week's earnings call, Tim Cook acknowledged supply constraints for these devices, stating it may take "several months" to restore balance between supply and demand.

TSMC's Phoenix facility, which Apple helped expand, now produces chips for the company and expects to make 100 million chips in 2026. However, neither Intel nor Samsung can match TSMC's production scale, making the outcome of these discussions uncertain.