Qualcomm is in discussions to provide custom chip-design services to TikTok parent ByteDance. The potential deal would establish ByteDance as an early client for Qualcomm’s new custom chip design division.
The partnership supports Qualcomm’s strategic shift to diversify revenue beyond the smartphone market. These custom chips would target ByteDance’s data centers and include specialized video processing units.
The designs would utilize technology from Alphawave Semi, a high-speed connectivity firm Qualcomm acquired in 2025. While negotiations are ongoing, the deal would secure a major win for Qualcomm’s data center push.
The agreement would also provide ByteDance with a stable supplier for advanced hardware. This comes as the company navigates geopolitical trade frictions regarding high-end AI chips.