For the first time in 12 years, Apple is contemplating moving the production of certain low-end processors away from its long-standing supplier, TSMC, and towards other potential vendors, though it has not yet revealed the names of these alternative companies. Presently, propelled by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, the supply of DRAM and NAND memory is experiencing a squeeze. This surge in AI demand has catapulted Nvidia to the position of TSMC's largest customer, reshaping the semiconductor industry landscape and, consequently, weakening Apple's bargaining position in the process. Samsung and SK Hynix, two major memory chip producers, have approached Apple, demanding higher prices for their RAM chips.

In light of these developments, Apple has begun the search for alternative manufacturers to produce its low-end processors. Analysts from GF Securities have highlighted that Intel might emerge as a supplier for some chips in the standard version of the iPhone 21, starting from 2028. Furthermore, there is a possibility that Intel could secure foundry orders for the A21 or A22 processors in the future. Apple CEO Tim Cook has acknowledged that while the price increases in memory chips had a relatively minor impact on the gross profit margin in the last quarter, the repercussions are expected to be slightly more pronounced this quarter. As a result, Apple is considering various countermeasures to mitigate these effects.

Should Apple proceed with this plan, it would mark a significant departure from its 12-year tradition of exclusively relying on TSMC as its chip supplier, signaling a potential shift in the dynamics of the global semiconductor market.