Google TPU v9 Processor Faces Delay into 2028 On Supply Issues
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is experiencing a slight delay in its custom TPU v9 artificial intelligence processor timeline. Issues related to embedded multi-die interconnect bridge substrate yields led to a redesign, pushing key schedule milestones back by roughly three weeks. Although chip sampling is still targeted for November, full tape-out has shifted to January 2027, with mass-production tape-out expected in the second quarter of 2027 and customer shipments delayed until the first quarter of 2028.
The revised production timeline introduces short-term headwinds for partner MediaTek Inc. (TWSE:2454), while Marvell Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRVL) stays well-positioned in the custom chip supply chain over the medium and long term. Concurrently, strong compute demand from internal initiatives and external clients like Anthropic PBC (NASDAQ:ANTHROPIC) has constrained hardware availability. Substantial allocation of TPU v7 clusters to outside users in early 2026 previously slowed internal development schedules for models such as Gemini 4.
Looking ahead, market participants will watch whether manufacturing yields accelerate from current levels of 45% to 50% now that root causes of the substrate issue have been identified. Attention will also focus on Alphabet Inc. as it increases internal processor allocations during the second half of 2026 to support its next-generation artificial intelligence models.
Key points
- Alphabet Inc. TPU v9 processor faces a slight delay, pushing mass production to Q2 2027 and shipments to Q1 2028.
- Manufacturing yield issues on EMIB substrates have been identified, with yields currently ranging between 45% and 50%.
- The delay creates short-term headwinds for MediaTek Inc., while Marvell Technology, Inc. remains well-positioned long term.
- High external demand for TPU v7 chips from partners like Anthropic PBC contributed to timing delays for Gemini 4.
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How we writeDisclaimerQuestions and answers
Why is the Google TPU v9 processor delayed?
The TPU v9 schedule slipped due to yield challenges with embedded multi-die interconnect bridge substrates, requiring a redesign.
When will Google TPU v9 chips begin shipping to customers?
Sampling remains on target for November, with mass production scheduled for Q2 2027 and shipments expected in Q1 2028.
How does the TPU v9 delay affect supplier companies?
The schedule change presents short-term headwinds for MediaTek Inc., whereas Marvell Technology, Inc. remains solidly positioned for long-term growth.