How could Intel's foundry expansion affect Google's AI chip supply chain?
Google secures multi-million unit custom AI chip orders from Intel Intel's strategic pivot into foundry services has resulted in Google securing substantial commitments for its custom AI processors. Specifically, Google is adopting Intel's Embedded Multi-die Interconnect Bridge (EMIB-T) packaging for its inference-class chips, such as the ninth-generation Tensor Processing Unit, codenamed "Humufish." This commitment includes an order reportedly covering more than three million units for 2028. This move is part of a broader strategic partnership, with Intel deepening its ties with Alphabet via Google Cloud, allowing Google to diversify its supply chain and leverage Intel's advanced manufacturing capabilities.
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- 2 steps, all reported
- When
- Over the long term
- The story
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How it reaches Google
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Intel is expanding its foundry business to compete with TSMC, while major technology firms are adopting Intel's Embedded Multi-die Interconnect Bridge (EMIB) technology for inference-class chips. This shift occurs as TSMC's capacity remains sold out through 2026 and well into 2027, leading companies like Google, Amazon, Cisco, SpaceX, and Tesla to consider Intel's approach. Intel Foundry has secured design wins for AMD, Microsoft, and Micron Technology.
The full event10independent outlets -
Intel is ramping up its 18A foundry process and launching strategic pivots, including its foundry business, to compete with rivals like TSMC and AMD. This expansion is supported by Intel's EMIB-T packaging technology, which offers a roughly 50 percent cost reduction compared to TSMC's CoWoS at equivalent package sizes.
1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- techtimes.com Sep 11
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semiconductor foundry owned by Intel
Everything about Intel Foundry -
Google has committed to Intel's EMIB-T packaging for its inference-class chips, including its ninth-generation Tensor Processing Unit, "Humufish." This commitment includes an order reportedly covering more than three million units for 2028, demonstrating a major shift in Google's supply chain strategy.
1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- techtimes.com Sep 11
-
American multinational technology company, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.
Everything about Google
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Google's 2028 TPU order from Intel reportedly covers more than three million units.techtimes.com
- Google is adopting Intel's EMIB-T packaging for its ninth-generation Tensor Processing Unit, codenamed "Humufish."techtimes.com
- Intel's EMIB claims a roughly 50 percent cost reduction versus CoWoS-L or CoWoS-R at equivalent package sizes.techtimes.com
- Intel is deepening its ties with Alphabet via a strategic partnership through Google Cloud.yahoo.com
Why it matters
For Google, securing large-scale, multiyear contracts for custom AI processors is critical to maintaining its competitive edge in the AI market. By adopting Intel's EMIB, Google is gaining a viable alternative to TSMC's CoWoS, which currently faces severe capacity constraints, with lead times stretching 52 to 78 weeks for non-Nvidia customers.
This diversification is strategically important because Google relies heavily on custom silicon, such as its Tensor Processing Units, for its inference-class workloads. The ability to secure high-volume, cost-effective supply from Intel allows Google to manage its production needs and scale its AI infrastructure without being solely dependent on one foundry's capacity.
What we don't know yet
- Will Intel's 18A foundry process maintain the necessary yield levels to fulfill the multi-million unit orders?
- How will the adoption of EMIB-T packaging affect the overall performance of Google's inference-class chips compared to CoWoS?
Is this still moving?
- Reports
- 19
- Developments
- 13
- Repetition
- 68%
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Reporting
All 11 outlets- techtimes.comSep 11
- ibtimes.com.auOct 1
- yahoo.comAug 7
- wccftech.comJul 26
- fool.comJul 25
- tomshardware.comJun 29
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Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.