Google introduced the Tensor series of chips with the Pixel 6 series in 2021. It was meant to usher in a range of chips specially tailored by Google to keep up with its class-leading AI-based software features. Just three Tensor chips in, and many of Google’s new AI features need to be off-loaded to the cloud for processing.
They’re claiming that after the Tensor 4 design that Google will be moving to a 3nm TSMC fully custom design.
So the “life support” comment apparently applies to just their current Exynos-derived designs that will need to continue shipping until then, despite the designs being dated (i.e., on “life support”).