Intel approaches Apple for investment as part of restructuring plan

Bloomberg reported that Intel is approaching Apple about investing in the chipmaker, as part of Intel's restructuring efforts, and that the two companies are discussing the possibility of closer collaboration.

Intel Is Seeking an Investment From Apple as Part of Its Comeback Bid - Bloomberg
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-24/intel-is-seeking-an-investment-from-apple-as-part-of-its-comeback-bid

Intel reportedly asking ex-flame Apple to invest • The Register
https://www.theregister.com/2025/09/24/intel_reportedly_courting_apple/

Intel seeks investment from Apple, Bloomberg News reports | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/business/intel-seeks-investment-apple-bloomberg-news-reports-2025-09-24/

Intel suffered its biggest stock price drop in the past 50 years in August 2024. In July 2025, the company announced it would lay off 24,000 employees and close some operations in countries such as Germany, Poland, and Costa Rica.

However, in August 2025, SoftBank signed an agreement to invest $2 billion (approximately 297 billion yen) in Intel. In the same month, the US government acquired 10% of Intel shares . In September 2025, NVIDIA purchased 5% of Intel shares.

NVIDIA purchases Intel shares worth approximately 740 billion yen, and also announces joint development of NVIDIA graphics-equipped PC SoCs 'Intel x86 RTX SOCs' and chips for AI data centers - GIGAZINE

Bloomberg has recently reported that it has received information from multiple anonymous sources that Intel is approaching Apple for investment. Apple used Intel processors in its Macs until 2020, but in June 2020 announced it would transition to Apple Silicon, its own proprietary chips. Since then, the two companies have gone from being major partners to direct competitors.

Apple announces 'Apple Silicon' to transition to proprietary processors for Macs, making iPhone & iPad apps available on Macs - GIGAZINE

In recent years, demand for Intel products has declined, with the company losing market share in the server and PC markets, making it unlikely that Apple CEO Tim Cook would abandon Apple Silicon and return to Intel processors, The Register points out.

However, instead of selling CPUs, Intel could be seen as a promising candidate to be a foundry to manufacture Apple's next-generation chips. Intel has previously floated the idea of opening up its semiconductor factories to contract manufacturers, but has yet to secure a core customer.

In addition, American companies are under pressure from the government to bring manufacturing back to the country, and Apple is investing heavily in the country to manufacture Made in America iPhones .

Apple announces investment of over 88 trillion yen in the US, iPhone tempered glass will be 100% made in the US, and President Trump will receive a glass and gold commemorative gift - GIGAZINE

At the time of writing, TSMC is Apple's primary supplier of Apple silicon. However, if Intel were to replace it or take on part of its manufacturing responsibilities, Apple could diversify its suppliers and reduce its reliance on TSMC. However, TSMC has begun manufacturing chips for Apple and NVIDIA at its Phoenix, Arizona, factory since early 2025 and has also received investment from the Trump administration.

President Trump announces that TSMC will invest 15 trillion yen in US semiconductor factories - GIGAZINE

by Lee Ji-lin

However, talks between Intel and Apple are still in the early stages, and there is no guarantee that Apple will provide financial support to Intel.