Intel is reportedly in talks with Apple about a potential investment as the chipmaker desperately seeks new funding to finance its massive turnaround effort. The discussions, which are in an early stage, follow recent major investments in Intel from Nvidia ($5 billion), SoftBank ($2 billion), and the U.S. government (nearly $9 billion).
Intel’s move to court Apple highlights the urgency of its situation. The company is trying to regain its position in the market after missing key innovations like smartphones and AI, leading rivals like Nvidia and TSMC to pull ahead.
Apple and Intel have a complex history; Intel was the primary chip supplier for Macs before Apple phased them out starting in 2020 to use its own custom-designed chips, which are manufactured by TSMC. While a return to Intel chips is unlikely, any deal with the iPhone maker would be a significant lifeline for Intel and boost its stock, which has already risen over 50 per cent since August thanks to the government and tech sector investments. The U.S. government, which now holds a large stake, is actively pushing for such alliances to reinforce Intel as a key domestic manufacturer of cutting-edge semiconductors.
