For months, reports have circulated suggesting Apple may shift some chip production to Intel, reducing its reliance on TSMC. The speculation took a more concrete turn this week when former President Trump posted on his social platform that Apple had “agreed to work with Intel to design and build its chips in America.” He mentioned the arrangement alongside other deals he said he had helped broker. That claim echoes earlier reporting that Apple and Intel had engaged in extended talks and may have reached a preliminary understanding.
Neither Apple nor Intel has issued a public confirmation. Intel declined to comment to the media about any potential agreement, and Apple has remained silent. Still, the post had an immediate market effect: Intel’s stock price jumped roughly 10% within minutes of the announcement. Investors responded quickly to the possibility of a major manufacturing shift or new partnership that could reshape supply chains and chip sourcing for high-profile consumer devices.
Which chips would Intel make?
The crucial unanswered question is which specific chips Apple might entrust to Intel. Early coverage suggested a limited arrangement: Intel would take on lower-power, less complex designs such as certain M-series chips used in iPads and MacBook Air models, while TSMC would continue producing Apple’s flagship iPhone processors. That scenario would represent a cautious, incremental shift in Apple’s manufacturing strategy, with Intel handling some of the company’s less demanding silicon work.
However, more recent reports complicate that picture. Some sources indicate Apple is considering Intel for much more advanced designs, including the A22 Pro—Apple’s anticipated first 1.4nm chip, expected to appear in high-end iPhones within a few years. If Intel were to secure a role in producing such a leading-edge processor, it would mark a far more significant development: Intel would move from handling ancillary or entry-level chips to competing for Apple’s most critical and performance-sensitive silicon.
Put simply, the possible arrangements fall into two broad categories. One would have Intel quietly handling Apple’s “leftover” or entry-level designs, leaving the most advanced jobs to TSMC. The other would place Intel squarely in contention for Apple’s top-tier chips, a shift with larger implications for performance engineering, supply chain dynamics, and geopolitical manufacturing strategies. Various outlets have also suggested other timelines and configurations, including the idea that entry-level iPhone processors could migrate to Intel by the end of the decade. The landscape is still uncertain and multiple scenarios remain plausible.
At the moment, the only confirmed public statement is a presidential claim. Apple and Intel have not publicly verified any deal or provided details about potential timelines, responsibilities, or technical arrangements. Without official confirmation, commentary from market observers and journalists will remain speculative. That said, the market reaction demonstrates how powerful even unverified reports can be when they touch on major technology partnerships between household brands and established semiconductor manufacturers.
Several factors will determine how any collaboration might unfold. Apple’s chip roadmap emphasizes tight integration between hardware and software, pushing the company to partner with manufacturers that can meet its performance, efficiency, and process-node ambitions. TSMC has been Apple’s trusted partner for years and continues to lead in advanced node manufacturing. Intel, meanwhile, has invested heavily in its foundry capabilities and has signaled a desire to win new customers and regain prominence in advanced manufacturing. A validated partnership would therefore represent a notable vote of confidence in Intel’s foundry progress—if it comes to pass.
Until either company releases an official statement or provides details, observers must rely on secondary reporting and market signals. For now, the situation remains a high-profile rumor backed by a public claim, with potential implications for Apple’s supply chain, Intel’s business prospects, and the broader semiconductor industry. Watch for confirmations from Apple or Intel for the only definitive word on whether and how these chips will be designed and built together.