Apple reportedly strikes preliminary deal to use Intel-made chips again

Years after famously moving on from Intel-powered Macs with its own Apple Silicon, Apple appears poised to bring Intel back into its supply chain. The Wall Street Journal reported the two companies have signed a preliminary agreement for Intel to manufacture chips for Apple hardware. It is still unclear which Apple products will use Intel-made silicon.

For Intel, the deal is a critical piece of its turnaround plan. The company appointed semiconductor veteran Lip-Bu Tan as chief executive in March 2025. In August, the US government took a 10% direct stake in the chipmaker. Intel's foundry services arm needs anchor customers like Apple if it is to compete with TSMC, which currently dominates leading-edge contract manufacturing.

For Apple, diversifying its production base is the strategic prize. The Cupertino company has leaned heavily on Taiwan-based TSMC for its most advanced nodes. Shifting some volume to Intel's Arizona and Ohio fabs would reduce geopolitical exposure. Intel spokesperson Kiana Ducey declined to comment, while Apple did not immediately respond to requests for confirmation.