Apple has announced that it has chosen Samsung’s factory in Taylor, Texas, to manufacture chips for its iPhone and other products. According to Apple, the facility is also implementing a new chip manufacturing technology never before used globally.
Samsung is producing chips for Apple
In an official announcement, Apple announced that the Texas manufacturing facility will produce chips that improve the performance and power efficiency of Apple devices. The company portrays this decision as part of its goal to completely consolidate its US manufacturing and supply chain within the country. Apple announced a new $100 billion investment it plans to make in the US over the next four years, representing a total commitment of $600 billion.
Samsung has not made any official statement on the matter. However, Ryu Young-ho, a senior analyst at South Korea-based NH Investment & Securities, stated that Apple may now source some of the image sensors it previously sourced from Sony from Samsung. According to the analyst, because Sony manufactures these sensors exclusively in Japan, Apple is taking steps to diversify production and shift its supply chain to the US.
Industry sources report that Samsung is preparing to produce CMOS image sensors (CIS) for Apple and that these sensors may be included in the iPhone 18 series, expected to be released in 2026. These sensors will reportedly feature a three-layer hybrid bonded structure. However, these claims have not yet been confirmed by the companies. It is still unclear which chips Samsung will produce for Apple.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s facility in Texas has become a key production hub not only for Apple but also for other major technology companies like Tesla. Tesla announced in July that it had signed a $16.5 billion chip supply agreement with Samsung. Under this agreement, Tesla’s next-generation AI6 chips, based on artificial intelligence, will also be produced at the same facility.
Apple’s move not only expands its US manufacturing footprint but also signals a reshaping of its position in the global supply chain. The company has pivoted to a new strategy that combines safety, performance, and sustainability in chip production.
