Alphabet (GOOGL) Stock: Google Partners with Samsung and TSMC for Advanced Icefish AI Chip

Quick Overview

• Google is negotiating with Samsung for production of a memory input-output die component for its upcoming TPU, dubbed “Icefish”
• TSMC has been selected to produce Icefish’s primary processing unit utilizing its cutting-edge 1.4nm manufacturing process
• Mass production could begin by 2028
• MediaTek is said to be participating in the design work for Google’s 8th-generation TPU series, which includes Icefish
• Reports emerged earlier in the week suggesting Google is negotiating with Intel to produce more than 3 million TPUs by 2028

According to a Thursday report from The Information, Alphabet’s (GOOGL) Google is currently negotiating with Samsung for the production of a key component in its upcoming tensor processing unit.

Alphabet Inc., GOOGL

The processor, which carries the internal codename “Icefish,” remains in its design phase. Google’s manufacturing strategy involves having TSMC fabricate the central computing core using its advanced 1.4nm process technology, while Samsung would be responsible for producing a distinct memory input-output die utilizing its 2nm process.

These discussions remain preliminary, with no formal agreements yet established. Alphabet, Samsung, and TSMC have not provided immediate responses to inquiries seeking comment.

Mass production of Icefish could potentially commence by 2028, though this schedule remains subject to change. Reports also indicate MediaTek’s involvement in the chip’s development process.

Expanding Google’s TPU Capabilities

Google has been aggressively expanding its proprietary AI chip portfolio to provide cloud computing clients with alternatives to Nvidia’s GPU offerings. TPU revenues have evolved into a significant contributor to Alphabet’s cloud services income.

The tech giant previously announced its 8th-generation TPU lineup during Google Cloud Next 2026 in Las Vegas this past April — introducing the TPU 8t for AI model training workloads and the TPU 8i optimized for inference tasks.

Icefish represents the subsequent evolution beyond these existing chips. The strategic decision to distribute manufacturing between TSMC and Samsung indicates a more sophisticated production approach compared to Google’s previous chip development efforts.

Intel Emerges as Additional Manufacturing Partner

The Samsung manufacturing discussions come on the heels of another significant report from earlier in the week. Monday’s report from The Information revealed Google is conducting parallel negotiations with Intel for the production of over three million TPUs by 2028.

This development could signal an important transition for Intel, which has been investing heavily in revitalizing its foundry operations. Google has not publicly acknowledged these Intel discussions.

TSMC continues to serve as Google’s principal chip fabrication partner and maintains a central role in the Icefish manufacturing plan. The semiconductor industry continues to face capacity constraints as AI-driven customer demand escalates.

For the present, Icefish remains in the development stage, with 2028 production serving as an objective rather than a confirmed timeline.

The post Alphabet (GOOGL) Stock: Google Partners with Samsung and TSMC for Advanced Icefish AI Chip appeared first on Blockonomi.