Why doesn't the Asahi team just design their own silicon? With AI it is easier than ever. And no this is not a joke.
How to get it fabbed? That's even easier as there are lots of companies with $$$ who'd like to commoditize Apple.
Why doesn't Apple just contribute to Asahi?
That would be missing the point entirely though?
Asahi Linux is a project to provide an option to people who have for one reason or another got themselves an Apple Silicon Mac.
Building their own silicon would serve an entirely different goal.
How would designing a new chip commoditize Apple?