Synopsys just told some of the world’s biggest chipmakers that the software running parts of their manufacturing floors is heading for the graveyard. The company notified clients between April and May 2026 that its chip fab manufacturing process control software has reached “end of life,” with only maintenance support continuing going forward.
The affected customer list reads like a who’s who of semiconductor manufacturing: Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Kioxia, and Qorvo, among over 10 major clients. In their place, Synopsys is redirecting engineering talent and resources toward AI-driven electronic design automation tools.
The AI pivot in numbers
Back in March 2026, Synopsys unveiled new software specifically built to handle the complexity of AI chip design. Synopsys reported its second quarter FY2026 earnings on May 27, raising its full-year revenue forecast to $9.665 billion, driven by strong AI-related design activity across its customer base.
CEO Sassine Ghazi has pointed to AI-enhanced EDA tools as critical for future revenue growth. The company’s DSO.ai tool, which uses artificial intelligence to optimize chip design workflows, has now achieved over 100 commercial tape-outs—more than 100 chip designs have gone from concept to ready-for-manufacturing using Synopsys’ AI tooling.
