Key facts
- Google is in talks with Samsung Electronics to manufacture components of its next-generation AI chip, codenamed 'Icefish.'
- TSMC is expected to produce the main part of the chip, with Samsung handling a separate connecting component.
- The 'Icefish' chip is in the design phase and could reach mass production by 2028.
- Samsung's advanced 2-nanometer process technology may be used for the component manufacturing.
- This potential collaboration aims to diversify Google's chip manufacturing sources beyond TSMC.
Alphabet's Google is reportedly in discussions with Samsung Electronics to manufacture components of its next-generation AI processor, codenamed 'Icefish.' The collaboration could see Samsung produce a chip component that helps connect the main processing unit to memory, potentially utilizing Samsung's advanced 2-nanometer production technology. Google plans for TSMC to manufacture the primary computing part of the chip, which is still in development with mass production possible as early as 2028.
This potential deal represents a significant opportunity for Samsung's contract chip-manufacturing business, especially as it aims to grow its customer base for advanced fabrication processes. The 2nm technology promises improved chip performance, power efficiency, and AI capabilities. Samsung has also secured a substantial deal with Tesla to produce AI chips using this process.
The move also suggests Google's strategy to diversify its chip manufacturing sources, potentially reducing reliance on TSMC, which is facing high demand and capacity constraints. Google's in-house AI chips, known as Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), are an alternative to Nvidia's dominant GPUs and are a growth driver for its cloud division. Google has also been in talks with Intel regarding TPU manufacturing.