untether

Google has invested in the development of its own AI inference server chips as part of efforts to untether themselves from chip designers.

In this context, "untether" means to free or release from a dependency or connection. So, when it says Google is investing in the development of its own AI inference server chips to "untether" themselves from chip designers, it means Google wants to become independent and not rely on external chip designers for their hardware needs.

The word "tether" means to tie or bind something, typically with a rope or chain, to restrict its movement. Metaphorically, it implies being connected or dependent on something. Therefore, "untether" suggests breaking that connection or dependency.