Apple Now Facing Unprecedented Competition for Chip Supply
Apple faces fierce competition for TSMC chip capacity as AI giants like Nvidia dominate advanced manufacturing—threatening future device launches.
Matilda
Apple Now Facing Unprecedented Competition for Chip Supply
Apple Chip Shortages Loom as AI Rivals Reshape TSMC Priorities For years, Apple enjoyed near-exclusive access to the world’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturing through its partnership with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). But in early 2026, that advantage is slipping. Surging demand for artificial intelligence chips has upended TSMC’s production priorities—and Apple now finds itself in a high-stakes battle for silicon real estate alongside AI powerhouses like Nvidia and AMD. What does this mean for your next iPhone or MacBook? Credit: Google The End of Apple’s “Golden Ticket” at TSMC Since the launch of the A4 chip in 2010, Apple’s custom silicon has been a cornerstone of TSMC’s growth strategy. The tech giant’s massive order volumes and willingness to adopt cutting-edge nodes first gave it unmatched priority across TSMC’s global fabrication network. That era appears to be over. According to semiconductor analyst Tim Culpan, Apple no longer receives automatic preferent…
