Samsung Electronics will manufacture Tesla’s next-generation AI6 chips under a $16.5 billion contract through 2033, according to Bloomberg. The chips will be produced at the company’s Texas plant, currently slated to begin operations in 2026. Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed the deal, calling it “just the bare minimum,” and said actual output could be several times higher. The deal marks Samsung’s biggest foundry win since Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee was cleared of legal charges. It positions the company as a stronger alternative to TSMC, which still holds a dominant 67.6% market share. The AI6 chip is expected to power Tesla’s self-driving systems. Samsung’s shares surged 6.8% on the news, while supplier Soulbrain jumped 16%.
