Apple may soon shift part of its chip production to a rising Japanese firm, Rapidus, to support its growing Apple Intelligence platform. With AI becoming central to its future strategy, Apple is exploring options to diversify its supply chain beyond Taiwan’s TSMC.
According to reports, Rapidus is in talks with Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft to supply cutting-edge 2-nanometer chips by 2027. These chips are crucial for powering AI features both in the cloud and on Apple devices.
Japan’s Rapid Chipmaker Gains Momentum
Founded in 2022, Rapidus is backed by the Japanese government and major firms like Sony, Toyota, and SoftBank. The company has launched a prototype line in Hokkaido and plans to begin full-scale chip production soon.
CEO Atsuyoshi Koike believes Rapidus can catch up to leaders like TSMC by using advanced manufacturing techniques. The company is also working with IBM to develop 2nm chip processes and has secured vital EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography tools from ASML.
Strategic Shift Away from Taiwan
Apple’s interest in Rapidus comes amid increasing concerns over the stability of chip manufacturing in Taiwan. TSMC still leads in 2nm development, but geopolitical risks are pushing tech companies to look for alternative suppliers.
Apple is already working to reduce its dependency on a single region. A partnership with Rapidus could help it build a more resilient supply chain, especially for AI-focused hardware in development.
Government-Backed Vision for AI and Security
Rapidus’s mission goes beyond commercial gain. With nearly $1.4 billion in government support, Japan aims to strengthen national security and technological independence.
If successful, the deal could change the global chipmaking landscape. For Apple, it could mean faster, more efficient AI chips—and a safer path forward in an increasingly unstable tech world.
