Intel’s reported move to manufacture Apple chips could boost its foundry ambitions while strengthening US semiconductor production amid rising demand for advanced chips.
Intel is reportedly close to finalising a preliminary agreement to manufacture chips for Apple devices, a development that could significantly strengthen Intel’s contract chipmaking business and support efforts to expand semiconductor manufacturing in the United States.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, discussions between the two companies have been ongoing for more than a year, culminating in a tentative agreement reached in recent months. While the specific chip designs and Apple products involved remain undisclosed, the partnership would position Intel as a key manufacturing partner for one of the world’s largest technology companies.
The deal would represent a major milestone for Intel Foundry Services, which has been working to regain competitiveness against industry leader TSMC. Securing Apple as a customer would provide consistent demand for Intel’s fabrication facilities while reinforcing confidence in its advanced manufacturing capabilities.
The reported collaboration also aligns with US government initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic semiconductor production and reducing reliance on overseas supply chains. Officials have reportedly encouraged major technology companies to consider Intel’s manufacturing capabilities as part of broader national efforts to rebuild local chip capacity.
For Apple, the arrangement could help diversify its chip manufacturing base. The company currently relies heavily on TSMC for advanced chip production, where fabrication capacity is increasingly contested by artificial intelligence chip developers such as Nvidia and AMD. Expanding manufacturing partnerships may help Apple address supply constraints that have previously affected product shipments.
The potential agreement would also mark a renewed collaboration between the two companies after Apple shifted its Mac lineup away from Intel-designed processors toward its own custom silicon in recent years. Both companies have declined to comment on the reported discussions.
Following news of the possible chip manufacturing partnership, Intel shares rose sharply, reflecting investor optimism that high-profile foundry customers could accelerate the company’s turnaround strategy and strengthen its role in the global semiconductor supply chain.
