Apple Intelligence servers might soon rely on a new Japanese chipmaker

AppleInsider

A Japanese chipmaker you've probably never heard of wants to power Apple's future artificial intelligence server farms.

Manufacturing for Apple

Rapidus, Japan's ambitious semiconductor startup, is moving quickly toward becoming a key supplier for advanced AI chips. The company has reportedly initiated talks with Apple, Google, Meta, Amazon and Microsoft.

The supplier is aiming to secure agreements for mass-producing cutting-edge 2-nanometer chips by 2027. Although it trails behind TSMC, Rapidus CEO Atsuyoshi Koike believes the company can close that gap with more advanced manufacturing techniques.

While data centers are a major driver of demand for 2nm chips, the push goes beyond that. Companies like Apple are also focused on powering AI across devices and improving energy efficiency in chips. The move to smaller chips supports everything from cloud infrastructure to on-device intelligence.

Japan's push into the market

Formed in 2022 with substantial government backing and investments from major Japanese firms like Sony, Toyota and SoftBank, Rapidus was conceived as Japan's answer to global semiconductor giants like TSMC and Samsung.

A recent report from Nikkei Asia indicates that Rapidus CEO Atsuyoshi Koike confirmed ongoing discussions with major tech companies. Companies like Apple and Google are actively looking to diversify their semiconductor supply chains and reduce dependence on Taiwan's TSMC amid growing concerns about regional stability.

Rapidus recently activated a prototype production line at its facility in Hokkaido, with full-scale operations expected by the end of the month. The Japanese government is investing about $1.37 billion (200 billion yen) to accelerate production and meet the 2027 timeline.

TSMC is still expected to lead, with 2nm chips slated for 2025. Rapidus aims to close the gap quickly. Strategic partnerships are central to that plan.

The company has teamed up with IBM to jointly develop advanced 2nm manufacturing processes and has secured extreme ultraviolet lithography machines from ASML, essential for building chips at that scale.

Rapidus has also entered strategic partnerships with Esperanto Technologies to develop energy-efficient AI chips. Additional partners include Preferred Networks and SAKURA internet, which will help support cloud-based AI services in Japan.

Why data centers & AI are driving demand

Rapidus's push into the advanced semiconductor market signals a significant shift in the global chip manufacturing landscape. Historically dominated by TSMC and Samsung, the market is increasingly shaped by geopolitical considerations.

With escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, many global tech companies are seeking stable, diversified supply options to hedge against regional and global disruptions.

Japan's strong governmental and corporate support for Rapidus reflects a strategic priority to reestablish semiconductor independence. The scale of investment underscores how critical chipmaking is to both economic security and national resilience.

A successful partnership between Apple and Rapidus could bring greater geopolitical stability and long-term supply chain resilience. Despite its ambitious production timeline, Rapidus's high-profile partnerships and state backing position it as a viable complement or eventual competitor to TSMC.

The rise of Rapidus reflects global trends. Tech giants are seeking more control over their chip supply chains, and nations are pouring resources into domestic semiconductor capabilities. If the company succeeds, it may upend the global semiconductor industry.



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blastdoor

I hope Rapidus is successful. We need more suppliers in this market. There's way too much dependence on TSMC. 

danox

blastdoor said:

I hope Rapidus is successful. We need more suppliers in this market. There's way too much dependence on TSMC. 

Maybe but whatever they can do is going take 3-4 years, everything talked about in chip design and manufacturing recently, anything serious is 5 to 10 years down the road, which is why measured intelligent planning and long range thinking is required by the companies/countries involved.

The way things are going most of various governments in the world haven’t shown any ability in this area, the only countries coincidentally that seem to have any intelligent, measured long range planning is Taiwan, China and the Dutchman (ASML), and I mean cooperation that spans changes in government, Holland (their outlook on craftsman/engineering, is different than America and is closer to the German outlook) is the only one that has a change in government similar to the United States.

Most of the other East Asian countries are not exactly like the West (even though we like to pretend they are) and of course China doesn’t have a change in government which is why they’ve been very successful in the last 40 year's when it comes to long range planning? 

Long range, coherent thinking  or planning in America from administration to administration well obviously that doesn’t exist in America exhibit “A” the last two administrations. The willful lack of understanding at top end of government in the United States along those who lead sabotages any effort.