Intel may outsource production of some of its top chips to TSMC or Samsung Electronics in the future, according to a new report, as the chipmaker tries to fix issues with its own manufacturing capabilities.
Bloomberg reported Friday that the semiconductor giant is in discussions with both semiconductor foundries about outsourcing production for products starting in 2023, though no final decisions have been made yet. The news outlet noted that Intel is hoping it will make a last-minute breakthrough in improving its 7-nanometer process, which suffered from a manufacturing defect last year that prompted a six-month delay in 7nm products.
The news comes after Intel CEO Bob Swan said last October that the chipmaker would decide by January on whether Intel would expand its 7nm manufacturing capabilities or make orders with third-party foundries for future chip production or do a combination of both. The company is expected to announce its decision in its fourth-quarter earnings on 21 J