Key Points
-
Nvidia has become TSMC’s largest customer, surpassing Apple, according to CEO Jensen Huang.
-
Analysts suggest Apple may lose its preferential treatment at TSMC, prompting speculation it might turn to Intel for chip manufacturing.
-
Apple could potentially purchase 15 to 20 million chips annually from Intel, as it weighs using the Intel 18A process for its M-series chips.
Nvidia has reportedly overtaken Apple as TSMC’s largest customer, driven by skyrocketing demand for its AI chips, as confirmed by CEO Jensen Huang. This shift suggests Apple is losing special privileges at TSMC, which has historically prioritized its orders.
As a result, Apple is rumored to be considering Intel as an alternative chip manufacturing partner. If true, Apple’s potential orders could range from 15 million to 20 million chips annually based on planned use of Intel’s upcoming 18A process. This scenario highlights the changing dynamics within the semiconductor industry as demand for AI manufacturing capacity surges.
