Intel has begun talks with Apple to achieve investor support as part of its transformation plan, according to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter. The possibility of the Cupertino company entering the market comes at a delicate moment for the chipmaker, with the market reacting upwards: in the last month, its shares have advanced around 35%, raising the capitalization up to about $155.000 billion.
The dialogue between both companies, still in preliminary phase, would include both a minority investment and ways to expand the industrial collaboration. Although a pact with Apple would be a boost to Intel's recovery strategy, the fit is not trivial: the Californian firm currently depends on TSMC to manufacture its most advanced chips and a return to Intel processors does not seem likely in the short term.
What is being negotiated and at what stage are the talks?
According to sources, Intel and Apple have discussed a possible stake acquisition and technological cooperation formulas, in a negotiation that is just getting underway and could evolve in multiple directions. There are no guarantees of closure, but the rapprochement reflects Intel's search for strategic partners in key business areas.
At this early stage, the parties explore fit that will bring financial stability and industrial synergies without disrupting Apple's path with its own silicon roadmap. Any progress will depend on market conditions, product schedules, and each company's priorities.
Why Intel needs this support
Intel is going through a deep restructuring to correct financial and operational imbalances. In the last quarter, it reported revenues of $12.86 billion, higher than expected, but recorded losses of $0,10 per share compared to a profit forecast of $0,01. In addition, the group recorded a non-cash impairment of $1. 800 million and accelerated depreciation charges linked to surplus tools.
To strengthen its balance sheet, the company has driven asset sales and business repositioning. Among its recent moves, it agreed to divest 51% of Altera (programmable chips) in favor of Silver Lake in a transaction valued at $4.460 billion, prioritizing liquidity and focusing on lines with higher returns.
Other recent support and strategic alliances
The attempt to add Apple adds to a wave of endorsements. In August, Intel closed a deal to to allow entry to the US Government in its capital, an unusual operation that seeks to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Almost in parallel, Softbank committed $2.000 billion.
Last week, Nvidia announced a $5.000 billion investment and the acquisition of nearly 4% of the capital, in addition to an alliance to jointly develop chips for personal computers and servers. This common front allows Intel to gain positions in Artificial Intelligence and strengthens both actors in their fight with AMD.
Market impact and signals for Apple
The accumulation of announcements and negotiations has improved the stock market pulse, with a revaluation close to 35% in a month and a market capitalization of around $155.000 billion. For Apple, a financial move would not necessarily imply a change in its proprietary chip strategy, but it would be a trust sign towards Intel's industrial roadmap and towards the strengthening the supply chain in the USA.
Template and factory settings
In parallel with the search for investors, Intel has announced a 15% workforce adjustment to reach 75.000 employees by the end of 2025, after bringing forward cuts earlier this year. In terms of production capacity, the company cancelled plans to new factories in Germany and Poland and slowed the Ohio project, prioritizing capital discipline and operational focus.
Against this backdrop, the entry of an actor like Apple could bring financial oxygen and medium-term strategic visibility. Even so, the materialization of an agreement will depend on the progress of the talks on a clear basis and on Intel's ability to execute its restructuring without losing traction in its highest-growth areas.
