The BuildJuly 2, 2026via TechCrunch AI
Anthropic is discussing a new custom chip with Samsung
Why it matters
As AI inference costs and supply constraints tighten, frontier labs are now designing their own silicon. Anthropic's Samsung discussions follow OpenAI's Broadcom deal—a clear signal that vertical integration of compute is becoming table stakes for scaling.
Key signals
- Anthropic in discussions with Samsung on custom chip development
- Announcement follows OpenAI's custom chip partnership with Broadcom (announced ~1 week prior)
- Part of broader trend of AI labs pursuing vertical compute integration
- Published July 2, 2026
The hook
Anthropic joins the custom chip arms race. Samsung partnership signals AI labs are no longer waiting on NVIDIA.
The news comes about a week after OpenAI announced its own custom AI chip in a partnership with Broadcom.