Rapidus in Talks With Apple as It Accelerates Toward 2nm Chip Production [Report]

Japanese chipmaker Rapidus is reportedly in talks with Apple and other potential clients as it aims to begin mass production of advanced semiconductors by 2027, according to Nikkei Asia.

Rapidus has launched partial operations of a prototype chip line at its Hokkaido plant this week, with full operation expected by the end of April. CEO Atsuyoshi Koike told Nikkei that the company will share performance data on these fabricated chips with potential customers by mid-July at the latest. While Koike didn't name Apple specifically, he confirmed discussions with major tech players, including members of the GAFAM group—Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft—along with AI chip design startups.




The company is negotiating with 40 to 50 potential clients but is currently hesitant to take orders from Chinese manufacturers due to market complexities. Koike highlighted a growing demand from American firms for alternative suppliers, driven by U.S.-China tensions and the dominance of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) in cutting-edge chip production, such as its exclusive role making Nvidia's AI chips.

"American customers are aware of tensions between the U.S. and China, and there are growing voices saying that they need a second vendor," Koike said.

Rapidus has secured memorandums of understanding with two startups, including U.S.-based AI chip designer Tenstorrent. To attract giants like Apple, the company knows it must prove its manufacturing capabilities. With technology licensed from IBM, Rapidus is targeting 2-nanometer chip production, a significant leap from the 40-nanometer chips Japanese firms currently produce. Mass production is slated for 2027.

Koike noted that Rapidus engineers, some with experience from Japan's past leadership in chipmaking, have adapted well to mastering 2-nanometer technology. He acknowledged TSMC's plan to roll out 2-nanometer chips this year but emphasized Rapidus's ability to accelerate its process, claiming it could cut the timeline from order to fabrication and assembly by two to three times compared to competitors.


The company is already looking beyond 2-nanometer chips. Koike stressed the need to begin developing 1.4-nanometer technology within two to three years of achieving 2-nanometer mass production to stay competitive globally. For now, Rapidus is focused on refining its prototypes and boosting yields, aiming to establish itself as a key player in the semiconductor race.