Apple is about to seal a chip deal with Intel

Published: 2026-05-11 09:01:32 ET AAPL

Published on 05/11/2026 at 09:01 am EDT

Key takeaways

Apple is reportedly about to strike a deal with Intel to produce part of the chips that power its popular devices such as iPhones and iPads, according to Mobile World Live. The agreement follows more than a year of secret negotiations between the two tech giants. The deal could reduce Apple’s dependence on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), its current main chip supplier, which is responsible for manufacturing almost all of Apple’s custom-designed chips.

In search of alternative chip suppliers

Interestingly, Bloomberg reported that Apple also held early-stage talks with Samsung about using its chips. These discussions included visits by Apple executives to Samsung’s new plant in Texas, which will specialise in producing advanced chips.

Intel’s ambitions in chip manufacturing

Under the leadership of CEO Lip Bu Tan, Intel is actively working to revive its chip manufacturing division and secure a strong position in the fast-growing foundry industry. Entering into a partnership with a major player like Apple would be an important endorsement of Intel’s efforts.

Earlier this year, Intel announced its involvement in Elon Musk’s Terafab AI chip project, which aims to develop processors for Musk’s ambitious orbital data centres and humanoid robots.

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