Apple explores Samsung and Intel chips amid TSMC supply challenges and US manufacturing pressure

Apple is considering semiconductor suppliers Samsung and Intel due to ongoing chip shortages affecting its main supplier, TSMC. While Apple designs its own chips, TSMC manufactures them, but global demand from AI and data centers is straining supply. Apple has held talks and visited Samsung's Texas plant but hasn't placed major orders yet, partly due to potential technical challenges in switching suppliers. Additionally, US political pressure encourages Apple to source chips domestically, aligning with its past moves to shift some manufacturing to the US and other countries amid trade tensions.