Rumor
Elon Musk says Tesla could finalize AI6 chip design by December as Samsung remains a key foundry partner
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 07:33 AM
Elon Musk indicated that Tesla is on track to complete the design phase of its next-generation AI6 chip by the end of 2026. Furthermore, Samsung is reportedly maintaining its position as a primary foundry partner for Tesla's advanced silicon needs.
Context
In a series of updates confirmed on March 18, 2026, Elon Musk announced that Tesla expects to finalize the design of its next-generation AI6 chip by December 2026. This timeline supports a broader strategic shift toward in-house silicon to power the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Optimus robotics programs. To secure the necessary hardware, Tesla has deepened its partnership with Samsung Electronics, utilizing a $16.5 billion multiyear deal to manufacture the AI6 at Samsung’s new Taylor, Texas facility. While mass production is currently projected for the second half of 2027, recent reports suggest potential 6-month delays due to the complexity of the 2-nanometer process node.
This collaboration is a major win for Samsung’s U.S. foundry business as it competes with TSMC for high-end AI contracts. Tesla is reportedly negotiating to more than double its initial order from 16,000 to 40,000 wafers per month, reflecting a massive anticipated demand for edge inference. By vertically integrating its chip supply chain, Tesla aims to create "Dojo 3" supercomputer clusters that reduce its long-term reliance on Nvidia hardware, potentially achieving a "zero-Nvidia" training and inference infrastructure by the end of the decade.
Sources (12)
Samsung to Start Mass-Producing Tesla Chips in Second ...Samsung to Start Mass-Producing Tesla Chips in Second Half of 2027 | MorningstarSamsung Elec and AMD sign MoU on AI memory, explore foundry partnership By ReutersTesla AI6 chip delayed ~6 months as Samsung 2nm ...Tesla AI6 chip delayed ~6 months as Samsung 2nm ...Elon Musk drops a surprise curveball on Nvidia - TheStreetTesla Reportedly Negotiating Massive Expansion of Samsung AI6 Chip ProElon Musk gives an estimate for Tesla's AI6 chip timeline... ...
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