Google Picks TSMC Over Samsung Foundry for Future Tensor Chips: Report

Google has traditionally partnered with Samsung Foundry to produce its custom Tensor chips for Pixel phones. The two have collaborated across four chip generations. However, it appears a major shift is underway. One such report claims that Google is moving its chip manufacturing to TSMC for at least the next five years.

Bidding goodbye to Samsung Foundry, Google now wants TSMC to make chips for Pixel

Starting with the Pixel 10 series later this year, Google’s Tensor G5 chip will be made using TSMC’s advanced 3nm technology. TSMC is well-known for its high-quality chip manufacturing, so Google wants to stay competitive with big names like Apple and Qualcomm.

In recent years, many top chip makers have chosen TSMC over Samsung Foundry because TSMC is seen as more reliable and trustworthy. One reason is that Samsung’s System LSI division, which designs Samsung’s own Exynos chips, is part of the same company as Samsung Foundry. This causes some worry that Samsung might not fully protect other companies’ protected designs.

According to Digitimes, Google executives recently visited TSMC’s headquarters in Taiwan to talk about a long-term partnership. This deal could last for several years and may cover future Pixel phones. It may include the Pixel 14 series, which might come out around 2029. What that simply means is Google won’t task Samsung Foundry for custom-chips for a long time.

Moreover, Google will probably launch the Pixel 10 series in late 2025 with Tensor G5 chipset inside. The upcoming Pixel 10 series will have four models, most likely, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The rumors say Tensor G5 could have several improvements over the previous chip, such as faster processors and better hardware. That’s likely to include an always-on audio processor and a stronger GPU.