Key Points:
- OpenAI is reportedly securing production capacity with TSMC’s new A16 Angstrom process for developing custom AI chips.
- Industry sources indicate that OpenAI will collaborate with Broadcom and Marvell on this AI chip project.
- TSMC’s A16 Angstrom process is scheduled to begin mass production in 2026.
OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, is reportedly moving forward with plans to develop its own AI chips, securing production capacity with TSMC’s upcoming A16 process.
According to a report from United Daily News, OpenAI has secured a spot for TSMC’s 1.6nm process node, known as A16, positioning itself alongside Apple as one of the early adopters. OpenAI has opted for the A16 node over TSMC’s existing N4 or N3 nodes.
This initiative is expected to involve collaboration with Broadcom and Marvell, both established TSMC customers, to develop custom ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) chips using TSMC’s 3nm family and the future A16 process.
The A16 node represents TSMC’s most advanced process technology to date, with mass production set to begin in the second half of 2026. Initial production will take place in Taiwan, and both Apple and OpenAI are among the first to reserve capacity.
The 2026 production timeline could be part of a broader strategic collaboration with Apple, which already integrates ChatGPT into its AI systems. As Apple increasingly favors in-house technology, developing new AI chips with OpenAI may align with its strategy to reduce reliance on external tech like Google’s AI servers.
Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI appears to be a natural extension of its June introduction of Apple Intelligence, which now incorporates ChatGPT, highlighting OpenAI’s crucial role in Apple’s AI ecosystem.
OpenAI’s Chip Development Aims to Enhance Sora’s Video-Generation Capabilities
OpenAI is reportedly exploring the use of TSMC’s advanced process nodes for its Emmi process and AI chip development, potentially supporting the computing needs of its AI models, including Sora.
Sora is an AI model that transforms text into detailed video content, using advanced technology to create videos from written descriptions. Industry insiders are optimistic about the collaboration between Apple and OpenAI, suggesting that Sora could become a key feature of Apple’s AI offerings in the future.
Positioned as a “super application” for image creation, Sora is expected to drive user adoption and exponentially increase data volumes, leading to a surge in demand for data transmission and associated technologies. The ongoing improvements in Sora’s capabilities are likely to enhance Apple’s competitive edge in the AI market and fuel growth in related industries, particularly in networking and high-speed transmission.
As OpenAI’s partner, Apple stands to benefit significantly from the advancements in Sora’s computing power, potentially driving new business opportunities in optical communications and other related fields.
