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Days after Bloomberg reported that Apple was in early-stage discussions with Intel and Samsung over U.S.-based chip manufacturing, The Wall Street Journal now claims Apple and Intel have reached a preliminary agreement.<\/b><\/p>\n
Sources familiar with the matter say the two companies have been engaged in intensive talks for more than a year<\/b>, with the framework of a formal deal taking shape recently.<\/b> However, it remains unclear which Apple products could eventually use Intel-manufactured chips.<\/p>\n
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously suggested that Intel could begin producing Apple\u2019s lower-end M-series chips<\/b> as early as Q2 2027. If the partnership proves successful, Intel may eventually manufacture future M6 or M7 chips <\/b>for products such as the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and even select iPad Pro models<\/p>\n
The WSJ added that the Trump administration reportedly played a role in encouraging the deal as part of broader efforts to boost domestic semiconductor production.<\/p>\n
Under current circumstances, the agreement appears beneficial to all parties involved. The US government can point to another major manufacturing initiative returning to American soil, Apple gains a second chip supplier to reduce reliance on TSMC, and Intel secures a high-profile customer that could help validate its foundry business to other potential clients.<\/p>\n
For Apple, the move is also about long-term resilience. With memory shortages, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions continuing to reshape the semiconductor industry, diversifying chip production may become less of an option and more of a necessity.<\/p>\n
Source: WSJ via 9to5Mac<\/p>\n<\/div>\n