Overview
- President Donald Trump announced the arrangement on Truth Social on Thursday, June 18, and the post triggered a sharp rally in Intel shares as markets digested the news.
- News outlets say The Wall Street Journal reported in May that Apple and Intel reached a preliminary agreement after more than a year of talks, but neither company has publicly confirmed details.
- Intel has said its next-generation 18A process entered initial production this month, yet analysts caution that proven yields and a full production ramp are needed before large Apple volumes can move to Intel.
- The U.S. government’s roughly 10 percent stake in Intel and active White House engagement helped facilitate discussions and created a political incentive for reshoring chip work to American fabs.
- If the partnership proceeds, Apple would likely start with older or lower-end chips produced in the U.S., which could add capacity for the company, affect TSMC’s workload, and shape a multi-year shift in supply chains.