Struggling chipmaker Intel (INTC) has reportedly approached Apple (AAPL) about an investment.
Any money from Apple would follow a $5 billion U.S. investment from rival chipmaker Nvidia (NVDA), which plans to work with Intel on microchips for personal computers and data centres.
Intel also recently received a $2 billion U.S. investment from Japan’s SoftBank Group as that company seeks to expand in America.
Apple and Intel have reportedly held discussions on how to work more closely together on future microchips and processors.
Analysts say a deal with Apple, a longtime Intel customer that switched to its own in-house processors in recent years, would validate the chipmaker’s turnaround efforts.
Intel has struggled to pivot its business from designing microchips and processors to producing them through a nascent foundry business.
Intel has received federal government money to help develop its foundry business, and the company in return has given the U.S. government a 10% stake in its business.
Analysts say that while Apple might invest in Intel, it is unlikely the consumer electronics maker will switch back to Intel processors in its devices.
The iPhone maker’s chips are produced by Intel rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM).
Still, Apple is looking to invest in the U.S. and avoid import tariffs on its electronic devices that are mostly made in China and India.
Apple recently announced plans to spend $600 billion U.S. on domestic U.S. initiatives over the next four years.
AAPL stock has risen 5% this year to currently trade at $256.87 U.S. a share. INTC stock has gained 68% so far in 2025 to trade at $33.99 U.S. per share.
