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I expect it would be more likely they’d just go straight to ASML and start building their own fabs. That said, they may see enough value in their TSMC deal that
by highwaylights 4y ago
I expect it would be more likely they’d just go straight to ASML and start building their own fabs. That said, they may see enough value in their TSMC deal that it’s simply not worth what would be an eye-watering outlay for something that in the end may not really save them all that much.
It’s probably not seen as a bad thing internally that other rivals aren’t able to get on 3nm either, which wouldn’t be true if Apple weren’t buying up the supply.
- londons_explore 4y agoI believe there are substantial numbers of patents and/or trade secrets that TSMC hold. Buying ASML alone wouldn't let Apple spin up their own cutting edge IC production, at least not without a decade or more of extra R&D. Having said that, it would give them more negotiating leverage against TSMC, since then they would be a monopoly equipment supplier as well as a customer. Either way, I doubt governments would allow such a purchase. It would be denied on national security grounds and on competition grounds.
- Matsta 4y agoI agree - they would probably go straight to ASML. But not having a fab means they're flexible to jump ship in the future if someone was ever to outpace TSMC. Also, consider Intel's fabs, which were stuck on 14nm for years. This probably factored into one of the reasons Apple made the jump over to Apple Silicon.
- flakeoil 4y ago> I expect it would be more likely they’d just go straight to ASML and start building their own fabs. Yeah, right. As if it is that simple. Just construct a building and put ASML machines inside and off you go.
- achenet 4y agoeasy as spinning up a CRUD app
- highwaylights 4y agoBecause clearly that’s what I just said. > it’s simply not worth what would be an eye-watering outlay Sigh.
- flakeoil 4y agoThe problem is not money. It's knowledge. And that knowledge is not in the ASML machines.
- KptMarchewa 4y agoTSMC has tons of custom IP on top of ASML machines. Apple could try but becoming leading fab company is something that could consume significant part of their cash without guarantee they'll succeed, and even if, that's a very long term project.
- selectodude 4y agoIntel's been going to ASML and building their own fabs for decades now. It's clearly not that easy.