For over a decade, Apple was the dominant force in the global tech supply chain, leveraging its massive scale to control pricing, secure production capacity, and influence the development roadmaps of suppliers. But that era is fading. Apple is no longer the central player it once was, as power in the supply chain is shifting decisively toward AI-driven companies like Nvidia, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google—collectively known as AMG. Brad Gastwirth, global head of research and market intelligence at Circular Technology, noted that while Apple still commands enormous volume and brand influence, it no longer holds the same gravitational pull over key suppliers. "Apple still moves huge volumes and has unmatched brand strength. But the company is no longer the anchor client for fabs, substrate makers, or key component suppliers. That's a fundamental change." This shift is most evident at TSMC, the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer. While Apple once relied on TSMC to produce cutting-edge A-series chips for the iPhone, those chips now represent a shrinking share of TSMC’s business. High-performance computing—driven by AI chips for Nvidia and cloud infrastructure for hyperscalers—now accounts for about 58% of TSMC’s revenue, far surpassing smartphone processors. On TSMC’s latest earnings call, CEO C.C. Wei highlighted the growing importance of AI clients. "They show me the evidence that the AI really helps their business. So they grow their business successfully and see the financial return. So I also double-checked their financial status. They are very rich." Suppliers are naturally drawn to the most profitable and fastest-growing customers. The trend extends beyond chips. Memory makers are redirecting production from smartphones and PCs to meet the soaring demand for DRAM in AI data centers. This has driven up memory prices, potentially increasing smartphone costs and squeezing margins for phone makers. Nvidia, with its massive demand for AI chips, has secured long-term supply contracts, leaving Apple and others with less leverage. Even obscure components are now in short supply. High-end glass cloth, essential for chip substrates, is in demand from AI chipmakers who offer multi-year contracts and upfront payments. Apple, which uses substrates across its entire product line, now competes with AI firms for limited supply. Reports indicate Apple engineers are even helping smaller suppliers explore alternative materials. Manufacturers like Foxconn are also changing course. Once synonymous with iPhone assembly, Foxconn now earns more revenue from AI servers than from consumer electronics. Its fastest-growing clients are hyperscalers and Nvidia—not Apple. Apple remains a major buyer, but it’s no longer setting the pace. In the 2010s, Apple dictated supply chain dynamics. Today, pricing, capacity planning, and allocation are increasingly determined by AI infrastructure providers. Apple is learning what it’s like to be just another large customer in a supply chain now driven by the AI revolution.