In theory Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, Samsung, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments and others have the foundational capability to manufacture chipsets for Apple. The implication that they are not chomping at the bit to compete for Apple's business because Tim Cook was shortsighted or uninspired is hollow.Who else could manufacture chipsets? Lots of companies would jump at the chance, though, admittedly, TSMC appears to be great.
Imagine if Apple knew this was coming five years ago. Imagine if G-d came to Tim in a dream. I guarantee you, they would find an alternative. My point was that they choose not to invest in manufacturing diversity.
It's obvious that these companies are aware of Apple and would love to win Apple's business and money -- so there is no need for Tim Cook to have an epiphany or provide encouragement for these companies to see the obvious opportunity and try and win it.
The issue is that they either have not been able to deliver what Apple needs (e.g., Intel, AMD, Samsung, Qualcomm and TI) and/or have other priorities (NVIDIA). Up to this point only TSMC can deliver what Apple needs and the *T* in TSMC stands for *Taiwan*. However, as early as 2021 there were reports that TSMC were exploring options to build fabs in the US and Japan.
It takes a high level of cynicism to believe Apple was too shortsighted or uninspired to either be behind (or encouraging) this in order to increase supplier diversity. The reason why it hasn't happened yet is because this is expensive and complex work that takes way more time and money than might be apparent to lay people.
Last edited: