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As the race for next-generation semiconductors heats up, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:NVDA) appear to be tightening their grip on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s (NYSE:TSM) most advanced chipmaking capacity, leaving rivals scrambling for alternatives. Apple Corners TSMC's 2nm Capacity TSMC is reportedly facing a shortage of 2-nanometer chip supply, with Apple having already booked more than half of the foundry's 2026 capacity, according to Taiwan-based outlet Money UDN. Industry analysts say Apple's long-standing strategy of securing TSMC's leading-edge technology early — from 5nm to 3nm and now 2nm — gives the iPhone maker a crucial competitive edge. By locking in capacity, Apple ensures its Apple Silicon chips use the latest process nodes before competitors can access them. See Also: Tesla's $1 Trillion Illusion: Elon Musk's Pay Package And The Robotaxi Myth TSMC Expands Production In Taiwan And Arizona To meet soaring demand, TSMC is accelerating 2nm expansion across its Taiwan sites in Hsinchu's Baoshan district and Kaohsiung, while also fast-tracking upgrades at its Arizona facility. The chipmaker plans to acquire additional land near its U.S. plant to increase capacity and begin mass production in the second half of 2025, with ramp-up expected in 2026. "We are making substantial progress and it is proceeding smoothly as planned," TSMC Chairman CC Wei said during the company's latest earnings call. Nvidia Joins The Rush For Wafers Meanwhile, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who met Wei in Taipei last week, urged the chipmaker to boost wafer supply amid surging AI demand. "No TSMC, no Nvidia," Huang said during his Taiwan visit, adding that the company's AI chip demand is rising "month by month." TSMC closed at $295.27 on Monday, up 3.06%, and rose another 0.18% to $295.80 in after-hours trading. According to Benzinga’s Edge Stock Rankings, TSMC ranks in the 93rd percentile for Quality and 88th for Momentum, highlighting its strong standing among industry peers. Read More: Tesla Investor Ross Gerber Says ‘Super Sad' To See Federal EV Subsidies End: ‘Credits Created…' Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. Photo courtesy: jamesteohart via Shutterstock
