Is the reported move a sign of symbiosis? Competition? Or simply a sign of the direction of travel?

In another interesting move that hints at a symbiotic relationship, ChatGPT maker OpenAI has reportedly followed Apple to become a lead customer for TSMC processors. Given the industry lead Apple has achieved with Apple Silicon, the move could be seen as tacit enthusiasm, rather than symbiosis, but follows reports Apple might stake an investment in OpenAI.

These moves by the biggest names in tech underscore the profound difference generative AI (genAI) has made in artificial intelligence, which has taken what's been part of the industry for decades and placed it at the forefront of the zeitgeist. That Open AI plans to work with TSMC can also be seen as justification of the integrity of Apple's approach to silicon design, as it concedes the computational power these processors provide while meeting real world needs in terms of energy supply.

The first OpenAI chips under the purported deal are set to slip off the lines some time in 2026.