Apple’s Homegrown Chip Dreams: More American Than Apple Pie (Soon)?
So, Apple’s doubling down on its "Made in America" chip-making fantasy. Remember how they partnered with TSMC and Amkor last year to make Apple Silicon in Arizona? Yeah, well, now they’re getting even cozier. TSMC and Amkor just signed a deal to basically become chip-making BFFs in the Grand Canyon State. Why? Because apparently shipping chips across the Pacific is just soooo last year.
This new lovefest means TSMC will be making the chips in Phoenix, and then just scooting them over to Amkor’s place in Peoria for packaging and testing. Like a silicon relay race, but with less sweat and more robots. They’re saying this will speed up production, which is great news for Apple fans who are tired of waiting for their new iThingies.
But let’s be real, this isn’t just about faster iPhones. This whole "Made in America" thing is a big deal for Apple. It looks good, especially after that whole trade war thing a few years back. Plus, the US government is basically throwing money at companies to make chips here, thanks to the CHIPS and Science Act. So, it’s a win-win for Apple: they get to look patriotic and save some cash.
And hey, who knows, maybe one day we’ll actually have an iPhone that’s truly "Designed in California, Assembled in China… and Chipped in Arizona". I guess we’ll have to wait and see if Apple’s gamble pays off.
From the sales floor to the critic's corner, I'm a former Apple Sales Specialist who's not afraid to tell it like it is. Get my honest takes on the iPhone, Mac, and everything Apple. | Los Angeles, California.