Apple’s Intel Move Will Not Shake TSMC
Does Apple’s chip production agreement with Intel pose a threat to TSMC? Bernstein analysts’ evaluations are in our news.
The possibility of Apple returning to Intel facilities does not pose a threat to TSMC, according to a new research report published by Bernstein SocGen Group. TSMC continues to maintain its position as the most respected artificial intelligence component manufacturer in the industry.
Analyst Mark Li states that the chip production agreement between Apple and Intel does not pose a risk to TSMC’s market leadership. The basis for this view is that Intel is technologically behind and its production volume within the scope of the agreement is quite low.
Production Plans Between Apple and Intel
As part of Apple’s preliminary agreement with Intel, it is planned to benefit from Intel’s 18A-P production process in the basic M7 chips, which are expected to be released in 2027. In addition, the A21 chips, which will be released in 2028, are expected to be produced in Intel’s 18A-P or more advanced 14A processes.
Apple has already provided PDK samples to evaluate Intel’s 18A-P process. According to GF Securities information, the ASIC chip named Baltra, which is expected to be released in 2027 or 2028, is expected to use Intel’s EMIB packaging technology.
Bernstein analyst emphasizes that there is no sign that Intel can close the technology gap with TSMC. TSMC currently remains the only foundry capable of mass producing true 2nm chips.
TSMC Continues to Defend Its Leadership
Although Samsung’s foundry technology continues to improve, analysts say that this technology lags behind the level offered by TSMC. Samsung’s GAA 2nm node is considered functionally equivalent to TSMC’s 3nm node.
It is estimated that Samsung and Intel facilities may see additional demand in more mature nodes, especially for geopolitical reasons. For example, there are reports that AMD has reached an agreement with Samsung for the production of 2nm-based Venice and Veranos processors.
TSMC, on the other hand, does not seem to intend to give up its capacity and technology leadership. The company is currently continuing construction work in 12 different facilities in order to reinforce its leadership in 2nm and A14 technologies.
What do you think about Apple’s new collaboration with Intel?
