Trump Claims Apple and Intel to Collaborate on US Chip Design and Manufacturing

Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that tech giants Apple and Intel have agreed to collaborate on designing and manufacturing chips within the United States.

This potential partnership marks a significant step towards bolstering domestic semiconductor production.

For Apple, this move offers crucial diversification for its manufacturing base, particularly as it seeks additional chip capacity.

The iPhone maker currently relies heavily on TSMC, whose advanced production lines are in high demand from leading AI chipmakers such as Nvidia and AMD.

The Wall Street Journal previously reported in May that Intel had reached a preliminary agreement to produce some chips for Apple, following over a year of discussions.

Such a contract would provide Intel with consistent demand from one of the world's largest consumer electronics companies, enhancing both its reputation and its manufacturing division, which has recently lagged behind TSMC.

Earlier this week, Intel announced that its new generation 18A manufacturing technology has entered initial production, driven by strong demand for its central processors.

The Trump administration last year acquired a 10% stake in Intel and unveiled plans to invest approximately $10 billion in the chipmaker to construct or expand U.S. manufacturing facilities.

Eight months later, after the government's stake in the company had grown to be worth more than $50 billion, Trump remarked that the administration "should have asked for more" of a stake in Intel.

This initiative aligns with the administration's broader efforts to secure U.S. supply chains for critical minerals and semiconductors, including taking equity stakes in companies to lessen dependence on China.

Apple and Intel did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comments outside regular business hours.