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Elon Musk Announces $16.5 Billion AI Chip Deal with Samsung, Outshining TSMC in Tech Race

Elon Musk Confirms Samsung Electronics to Produce Tesla's Next-Gen AI Chipset

In a groundbreaking announcement, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, revealed that Samsung Electronics has been selected to manufacture Tesla's next-generation AI6 chipset. This deal, worth $16.5 billion, marks a significant milestone in the tech industry, showcasing Samsung's prowess in semiconductor manufacturing over TSMC.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk (Reuters)

Strategic Importance Highlighted by Musk

Musk emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership on his social media platform X, stating, "Samsung’s giant new Texas fab will be dedicated to making Tesla’s next-generation AI6 chip." He also mentioned plans to visit the Samsung facility in Texas to expedite production processes, highlighting the convenience of its location near his home.

(Captured from Musk's X account)

Future Applications of AI6 Chipset

The AI6 chipset, targeting a release in 2027-2028, is set to revolutionize not only Tesla vehicles but also the broader Tesla ecosystem, including the Optimus humanoid robot. With performance goals doubling that of its predecessors, the chipset represents a leap forward in AI technology.

Samsung's Foundry Business Revival

This deal is a boon for Samsung Electronics' foundry business, which has faced challenges in securing external orders. The contract, part of Samsung's $18 billion investment in its Texas Taylor fab, signals a turning point for the company's semiconductor division.