OpenAI and Apple have entered into a critical agreement with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to gain access to the first production of their advanced A16 (1.6nm) semiconductor technology. This state-of-the-art manufacturing process, which is considered the most advanced in the world, will enable both companies to develop customized chips that support their artificial intelligence (AI). This advance is an important step in the race to dominate the future of high-performance computing and AI.
TSMC has cemented its position as the world's leading chip manufacturer, and its A16, which is expected to go into mass production in 2026, offers key advantages for developing AI hardware. It uses nanosheet transistor technology, and an innovative system called Super Power Rail (SPR), which improves energy efficiency and performance by supplying power directly from the back of the chips. This is critical for data-intensive applications, such as the advanced AI models that both OpenAI and Apple are developing.
For OpenAI, securing this capacity means it has more control over developing its AI chips rather than relying on third-party vendors. This could give them a strategic advantage as the demand for AI-optimized hardware grows as models become more complex and computationally intensive.
Apple is committed to adding advanced AI capabilities to its devices. Access to TSMC's A16 could drive the integration of more efficient AI technologies into its products, from iPhones to devices like the Apple Vision Pro, which require increasingly powerful processing capabilities to enable augmented and virtual reality experiences.
This agreement is also of interest to TSMC, the partner of choice for companies requiring the most advanced semiconductor technologies. However, competition is fierce as companies such as Nvidia also rely heavily on TSMC's ability to manufacture high-performance chips, resulting in extremely high demand in the industry."
