Intel has reportedly approached Apple about a potential investment in the struggling chipmaker, according to Bloomberg. The discussions, which are still at an early stage, have also included ideas for working more closely together, though there is no guarantee the talks will lead to an agreement.
The news comes as Intel seeks strategic partners to support its turnaround plan under CEO Lip-Bu Tan. The company has been under pressure in the fast-moving AI chip market, where competitors like Nvidia and AMD have surged ahead. Shares of Intel rose 6% following the report, reflecting investor optimism about the possibility of Apple’s involvement.
In recent weeks, Intel has been lining up high-profile backers as part of its recovery strategy. Nvidia announced a $5 billion investment for a roughly 4% stake, while the U.S. government brokered an unusual deal to take a significant ownership position. SoftBank Group has also joined the list of investors, highlighting the urgency of shoring up Intel’s position in a market increasingly dominated by rivals.
Intel’s future success depends heavily on persuading other companies to use its factories, even as it faces setbacks with its 18A fabrication process. Delays have opened the door for competitors, with TSMC’s N2 technology expected to move forward on schedule. Partnering with the Cupertino tech giant, one of the world’s largest chip buyers, would represent a major step for Intel in stabilizing its business and reinforcing its relevance in advanced semiconductor production.
For Apple, which already designs its own chips and relies on TSMC for manufacturing, the talks with Intel could be viewed as a way to diversify its supply chain and strengthen its position in the AI era. Whether the discussions will evolve into a formal investment remains uncertain, but the prospect of collaboration highlights how critical semiconductors have become to both companies’ long-term strategies.
(via Bloomberg)
