Musk Says Tesla’s AI5 Chip Nears Completion as AI6 Begins, Targeting a 9-Month Design Cadence

Musk turns the update into a recruiting pitch for a faster in-house silicon roadmap.

Overview

Musk said the AI5 design is almost done and AI6 is in early development, with future generations aiming for a nine-month design cycle.
Reporting identifies TSMC and Samsung as production partners for AI5, with versions reportedly on 3nm at TSMC and 2nm at Samsung.
Tesla expects limited AI5 units in 2026 and high-volume output in 2027, with AI6 volume growth projected around mid-2028.
AI5 is intended to replace the current AI4 hardware and to power Full Self-Driving as well as initiatives such as Optimus and potentially Neuralink devices.
Electrek noted Musk previously said in 2025 that AI5 was “finished,” highlighting a shifted timeline alongside skepticism about the aggressive cadence.