Observed Signal · Jul 2, 2026 · Partnership · Source: techcrunch · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Anthropic in talks with Samsung on custom AI chip
Anthropic is reportedly holding discussions with Samsung about developing a custom AI chip, according to reporting by The Information. The company has not finalized the chip’s intended use, server integration or performance specifications. Anthropic said it will continue to rely on a diversified hardware stack that includes chips from Google, Amazon and Nvidia. The move follows a wider industry trend of AI firms pursuing bespoke silicon — for example, OpenAI recently partnered with Broadcom to build a custom inference processor. Samsung already manufactures chips for Nvidia and is collaborating with Nvidia on an AI chip factory in South Korea, positioning it as a potential manufacturing partner for AI firms seeking alternatives to dominant suppliers.
Anthropic exploring a custom chip signals AI firms pursuing hardware independence and could shift compute supplier dynamics; notable for AI infrastructure but not immediately industry-shifting for AdTech.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Anthropic has been in contact with Samsung to explore collaboration on a custom AI chip.
- Anthropic has not decided the chip’s use case, server integration, or performance specifications.
- Anthropic said a diversified hardware stack including chips from Google, Amazon and Nvidia remains central to its compute strategy.
- OpenAI announced a partnership with Broadcom to build a custom inference processor (“Jalapeño”).
- Samsung produces chips for Nvidia and is working with Nvidia on an AI chip factory in South Korea.
Connected Companies & Entities
10 Entities mapped“On Thursday, The Information reported that Anthropic was in contact with Samsung to explore a collaboration around the pending chip....”
“On Thursday, The Information reported that Anthropic was in contact with Samsung to explore a collaboration around the pending chip....”
“Anthropic told TechCrunch that a diversified hardware stack that includes chips from Google, Amazon, and Nvidia will continue to be pivotal ...”
“Anthropic told TechCrunch that a diversified hardware stack that includes chips from Google, Amazon, and Nvidia will continue to be pivotal ...”
“Anthropic told TechCrunch that a diversified hardware stack that includes chips from Google, Amazon, and Nvidia will continue to be pivotal ...”
“On Thursday, The Information reported that Anthropic was in contact with Samsung to explore a collaboration around the pending chip....”
“OpenAI, which has teamed up with Broadcom to announce its own custom built inference processor, dubbed “Jalapeño.”...”
“OpenAI, which has teamed up with Broadcom to announce its own custom built inference processor, dubbed “Jalapeño.”...”
“Back in April, Reuters reported that Anthropic was toying with the idea of producing its own AI chips as a means of responding to chip short...”
“When reached for comment, Anthropic told TechCrunch that a diversified hardware stack that includes chips from Google, Amazon, and Nvidia wi...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Anthropic hiring custom AI chip design team
Anthropic is assembling an internal “Custom Silicon Team” of hardware and software experts to co-design custom AI chips and models intended to make its Claude models faster and more efficient, confirming earlier reports. The company has held talks with Samsung to manufacture a chip it designs and is reported to be collaborating with Broadcom and Google on specialized Tensor Processing Units. Anthropic still relies on infrastructure and hardware relationships with Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Nvidia and AMD, but sees in-house silicon as necessary to scale. Industry estimates cited by Reuters put the cost of designing a modern AI chip at roughly $500 million, and timing for a first Anthropic-designed chip remains unknown. Google has also agreed to invest in Anthropic under a multibillion-dollar arrangement announced in April.
Big Tech Builds Custom AI Chips, Pressuring Nvidia
TechCrunch reports that major technology companies are increasingly designing their own AI chips to reduce dependence on Nvidia and gain greater control over performance and cost. OpenAI announced Jalapeño, a custom inference chip built with Broadcom, joining efforts from Google, Apple and SpaceX as examples of a broader custom-silicon trend. The article frames these moves as hedges against single-supplier risk rather than full departures from existing vendors, noting benefits such as hardware tuned to specific workloads and the performance gains Apple achieved after leaving Intel. The item is presented as part of a TechCrunch Equity podcast discussion examining implications for industry competition, supply chains and infrastructure.
Broadcom Expands AI Chip Deals with Google, Anthropic
Broadcom said it will produce future versions of AI chips for Google and signed an expanded agreement with Anthropic that gives the startup access to roughly 3.5 gigawatts of compute capacity using Google’s tensor processing units (TPUs). The deals were disclosed publicly and helped Broadcom shares jump more than 6% intraday. Analysts at Mizuho and Citi maintained buy ratings, with Mizuho saying the tighter TPU partnership strengthens Broadcom’s position. CEO Hock Tan has projected AI chip revenue in 2027 “significantly in excess of $100 billion.” Earlier estimates from filings and analyst commentary suggested Broadcom could capture tens of billions in AI-related revenue from customers like Anthropic as model builders continue to source diverse accelerator capacity.
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