Apple and Intel Strike Preliminary Chip Manufacturing Deal
After ditching Intel for its own Apple Silicon chips, Apple is turning back to its former rival for manufacturing. The preliminary deal could be a major win for Intel, which has been working to revive its chip production business.
May 8th 2026 · United States
Apple and Intel have reached a preliminary agreement for Intel to manufacture some chips for Apple hardware, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Friday. The two companies had been engaged in intensive talks for more than a year and hammered out a formal deal in recent months, marking a significant shift in their relationship. Apple shares rose about 2 percent following the news, while Intel stock extended gains and was last up about 14 percent. Apple famously moved away from Intel-powered computers with its highly successful transition to Apple Silicon, but now the two companies appear to be working closely together again. It remains unclear which Apple products will receive Intel chips, and both companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Currently, Apple works with Taiwan-based TSMC to produce its processors, though Bloomberg reported this week that Apple has held exploratory discussions with Intel and Samsung about having them manufacture Apple processor chips in the United States. Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said late last year that Intel is expected to start shipping Apple's lowest-end M processor as soon as 2027. The potential move could be a major win for Intel, which has been trying to revitalize its chip manufacturing business. Intel appointed Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO in March 2025, and in August, the US government took a 10 percent stake in the company as part of efforts to strengthen domestic semiconductor production.