- Google’s rumored move from Samsung to TSMC as its partner for making Tensor chips gets support from new industry sources.
- Performance improvements are anticipated as a consequence of TSMC’s fabrication processes and Google’s increased role in chip design.
- The Tensor G5 chip that will power the Pixel 10 has reportedly entered the tape-out stage, just ahead of actual production.
Ever since Google started creating its own chips powering smartphones, back with the Pixel 6 in 2021, the company’s been aligned with Samsung as its manufacturing partner. That’s a situation that’s set to continue with the Pixel 9 later this year, featuring the upcoming Tensor G4 chip at its heart. But that status quo already looks due for a change, and back in May, we discovered evidence linking chip-fabrication heavyweight TSMC to the Tensor G5, expected to debut with the Pixel 10 in 2025. TSMC could be just about ready to get started with Tensor G5 production, according to a new report from The China Times (h/t Notebook Check).
Citing “supply chain sources,” the report attempts to confirm the arrangement Google has made with TSMC, marking a departure from its past Tensor work with Samsung, while also dropping the tantalizing detail that initial production of the Tensor G5 chip could be nearly ready to begin, as the design reaches what’s known as the “tape-out” stage.