Amon Cautious on Intel Chip Production

Even though he would like Intel to provide chips for its mobile processors, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon stated it is currently not an option. During an interview, Amon stated Qualcomm needs a technology that has efficient power consumption when asked about using Intel chips.

“Intel is not an option today,” he said. “We would like Intel to be an option. If in the future Intel is ready for us, we’ll be an option. Right now, our suppliers are really TSMC and Samsung.” As a fabless company, he noted Qualcomm needs a supply chain that is resilient and based in the US, which is why he is supportive of TSMC and Samsung’s domestic investments in the face of tariffs by US President Donald Trump.

TSMC is receiving $11.6 billion in grants and loans under the US CHIPS and Science Act to build a third production facility. Samsung plans to invest more than $40 billion to expand its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities in the state of Texas, with government support of $4.6 billion.

“We like the fact that TSMC, which is one of our suppliers, is investing in America,” he said. “We like the fact that Samsung, another one of our suppliers, invests in America. For Qualcomm, this is actually great news.”

Amon said he was invited to President Trump’s AI dinner on 4 September, which included tech titans such as Apple CEO Tim Cook, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg. However, Qualcomm was celebrating its 40th anniversary at a sports stadium in its hometown of San Diego, California, the same evening.