OpenAI might use Apple’s TSMC for chips
In another interesting move that hints at a symbiotic relationship, ChatGPT maker OpenAI has reportedly followed Apple to become a lead customer for TSMC processors. Given the industry lead Apple has achieved with Apple Silicon, the move could be seen as tacit enthusiasm, rather than symbiosis, but follows reports Apple might stake an investment in OpenAI.
These moves by the biggest names in tech underscore the profound difference generative AI (genAI) has made in artificial intelligence, which has taken what’s been part of the industry for decades and placed it at the forefront of the zeitgeist. That Open AI plans to work with TSMC can also be seen as justification of the integrity of Apple’s approach to silicon design, as it concedes the computational power these processors provide while meeting real world needs in terms of energy supply.
As Apple stands at the cusp of becoming the world’s biggest multi-platform AI ecosystem, the move also hints at new competition down the road. After all, it was only earlier this year that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was reported to be getting into chip manufacturing. Now, the company has booked into early production of chips using TSMC’s A16 process, which are expected to enter production in 2026.
