Samsung Electronics to Mass-Produce Apple’s Next-Generation Chips at Austin Plant in the U.S.

Samsung Electronics will manufacture Apple’s next-generation chips at its semiconductor plant in the United States. In an announcement emphasizing the expansion of its manufacturing base in the U.S., Apple officially mentioned its collaboration with Samsung.

In a press release distributed on August 7, Apple stated, "We are developing innovative chip manufacturing technology, used for the first time worldwide, together with Samsung at its semiconductor plant in Austin, Texas."

Apple further explained, "By introducing this technology in the United States first, this facility will supply chips optimized for power efficiency and performance to Apple products, including iPhones shipped worldwide."

Through this press release, Apple highlighted its job creation and investment in the United States, and directly named Samsung as one of its key partners. Industry analysts believe Apple’s move is intended to address criticism over its reliance on overseas manufacturing, which has intensified following the re-election of President Donald Trump.

It is suggested that the chip to be produced at Samsung’s Austin plant will likely be an image sensor (CIS) for the next-generation iPhone. Park Yuak, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities, stated in a recent report, "Samsung will begin mass production of image sensors for the iPhone 18 next year and, by securing new clients such as Tesla, will reduce its semiconductor division’s operating losses."

Regarding this, Samsung Electronics commented, "We cannot confirm specific details related to our clients."

Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics is expanding its foundry bases in the United States, with Austin (Apple) and Taylor (Tesla) as its two main pillars. This move is interpreted as a strategy to simultaneously strengthen both its U.S. production capacity and supply chain through collaboration with global big tech companies.