Key Points
- Samsung is being considered to produce a memory input-output component for Google’s upcoming TPU known as “Icefish”
- The primary processing unit will be manufactured by TSMC utilizing cutting-edge 1.4nm technology
- Mass production could potentially begin in 2028
- MediaTek is said to be participating in the design process for the 8th-generation TPU series
- Reports emerged this week that Google is also negotiating with Intel for producing more than 3 million TPUs by 2028
Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet (GOOGL), is currently negotiating with Samsung Electronics to produce a key component of its forthcoming tensor processing unit, based on Thursday reporting from The Information.
The processor, which carries the internal codename “Icefish,” remains in its development phase. According to the plan, TSMC would manufacture the central computing core leveraging its advanced 1.4nm process technology, while Samsung would be responsible for producing a distinct memory input-output component using its 2nm fabrication process.
These discussions remain preliminary, with no formal contracts signed yet. Neither Alphabet, Samsung, nor TSMC provided immediate responses to comment requests.
If everything proceeds according to schedule, Icefish might reach volume manufacturing by 2028, although this timeframe remains subject to change. Industry sources indicate that MediaTek is contributing to the chip’s architectural design.
Expanding TPU Portfolio
Google has been aggressively developing its proprietary AI processor ecosystem to provide cloud computing clients with alternatives to Nvidia’s dominant GPU offerings. Revenue from TPU deployments has become an increasingly significant contributor to Alphabet’s cloud services division.
The tech giant previously introduced its 8th-generation TPU lineup during Google Cloud Next 2026, held in Las Vegas this past April — featuring the TPU 8t optimized for model training workloads, alongside the TPU 8i engineered for inference operations.
Icefish represents the subsequent evolution beyond these current offerings. This isn’t merely an incremental upgrade — the decision to distribute manufacturing responsibilities between TSMC and Samsung signals a considerably more sophisticated production approach than Google has employed previously.
Intel Emerges as Additional Manufacturing Option
This week’s Samsung news follows another significant development. Earlier Monday, The Information disclosed that Google is conducting parallel discussions with Intel regarding the production of over three million TPU units scheduled for 2028.
Such an arrangement could prove significant for Intel, which has been investing heavily in revitalizing its foundry operations. Google has yet to officially acknowledge these Intel negotiations.
TSMC continues to serve as Google’s principal semiconductor manufacturing ally and maintains a crucial role in the Icefish roadmap. The semiconductor sector has faced ongoing capacity constraints as AI-driven demand from technology companies continues its upward trajectory.
For the moment, Icefish remains in its design phase, with 2028 production serving as an aspirational goal rather than a confirmed milestone.
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