Finance
Musk Says Tesla May 'tape Out' Next-Generation AI6 Chips in December
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 19, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 19, 2026
Quick Summary
Elon Musk said Tesla aims to ‘tape out’ its next‑generation AI6 chip in December, marking completion of the design stage before manufacturing. The chip is set to be produced using Samsung’s advanced 2 nm process, likely in Tesla’s new Texas fab, under a $16.5B multi‑year deal.
Elon Musk Reveals Tesla May Tape Out Next-Gen AI6 Chips by December
Tesla's Next-Generation AI6 Chips: Production Timeline and Partnerships
Finalization and Tape-Out Plans
SEOUL, March 19 (Reuters) - Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Thursday that the automaker may be able to "tape out", a stage when a chip design is finalised and sent to a factory for production, its next-generation AI6 chips in December.
Samsung's Role in AI6 Chip Manufacturing
Background on the Tesla-Samsung Partnership
Musk said last year that Samsung Electronics would make the AI6 chips, likely to be used in self-driving cars and humanoid robots at Tesla' new factory in Taylor, Texas, after the Korean company clinched a $16.5 billion deal to supply artificial intelligence chips to the electric car maker.
Statements from Elon Musk
"With some luck and acceleration using AI, we might be able to tape out AI6 in December," Musk said on his social media platform X, when asked when the chip would reach final design.
Production Timeline and Technology
Samsung's Advanced Process
A Samsung executive said on Wednesday that it plans to produce Tesla chips, based on Samsung's advanced 2-nanomete process, in the second half of 2027.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Alexander Smith)
Key Takeaways
- •“Tape out” refers to the final design step before fabrication, indicating Tesla could finalize the AI6 chip design by December. ⁈cite⁈cite
- •Tesla secured a $16.5 billion multiyear agreement with Samsung to supply AI6 chips—built on the 2 nm process—likely at a Texas fab slated to begin operation in 2026. ⁈cite⁈cite
- •Samsung is accelerating its 2 nm production capabilities in the U.S., aiming mass production in 2026, positioning the AI6 rollout in late 2027 or early 2028. ⁈cite⁈cite
Frequently Asked Questions about Musk says Tesla may 'tape out' next-generation AI6 chips in December
1What does 'tape out' mean in chip production?
'Tape out' refers to the stage when a chip design is finalized and sent to a factory for production.
2When may Tesla finalize its next-generation AI6 chips?
According to Elon Musk, Tesla may tape out the AI6 chips in December.
3Who is manufacturing Tesla's AI6 chips?
Samsung Electronics will manufacture the AI6 chips for Tesla.
4Where will Tesla use the AI6 chips?
Tesla AI6 chips are likely to be used in self-driving cars and humanoid robots.
5Where is the new Tesla factory producing these AI6 chips located?
The AI6 chips will be used at Tesla's new factory in Taylor, Texas.