Rise of AI Is Corroding Apple's Influence Over TSMC
AI demand is shifting TSMC’s focus—Apple’s influence over chip production is waning as NVIDIA and others rise.
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Rise of AI Is Corroding Apple's Influence Over TSMC
AI Boom Reshapes Chip Power Dynamics For years, Apple held unmatched sway over TSMC, the world’s most advanced chipmaker. But a new report from SemiAnalysis reveals that the explosive growth of artificial intelligence is rapidly eroding that dominance. As AI accelerators from companies like NVIDIA flood the market, they’re not just consuming cutting-edge silicon—they’re reshaping who gets priority at the foundry. If you’ve wondered why Apple’s next-gen chips might face delays or reduced performance gains, this power shift is a key reason. Credit: Google How Apple Built TSMC’s Modern Empire Apple didn’t just become TSMC’s biggest customer—it helped build the modern semiconductor playbook. Starting with the A8 chip in 2014, Apple committed early and heavily to each new manufacturing node. It absorbed massive upfront costs, funded yield improvements, and synced its iPhone launch cycle with TSMC’s roadmap. This partnership allowed TSMC to outpace rivals like Samsung and Intel, turning it into…
