Trump boosts Intel by confirming Apple/Intel chipmaking partnership

Trump confirms that Apple is working to design and build Apple Silicon on US soil

US President Donald Trump has stated on Truth Social, his social media platform, that Apple has agreed to work with Intel to design and build its chips in America. So far, neither company has confirmed the deal, though that hasn’t stopped Intel’s share price from rising 9% due to the news.

The United States Government is a major shareholder in Intel, and Apple’s reported deal with Intel comes as part of a government push to onshore more semiconductor manufacturing. Right now, Apple is a major customer of TSMC, a Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer. This means that most Apple Silicon is produced outside of the US. Apple’s deal with Intel could onshore some of Apple’s upcoming chips.

Apple has agreed to work with Intel to design and build its Chips in America.

– US President Donald Trump on Truth Social

Last year, reports indicated that Intel planned to start shipping low-end M-series processors for Apple as early as 2027. These processors will reportedly use Intel’s 18A-P technology, an improved version of the 18A node.

Recently, Intel confirmed that 18A-P could deliver 9% performance gains at ISO-power or 18% lower power at ISO-performance compared with 18A. Intel has also confirmed that this node will have both high-density (HD) and High-performance (HP) libraries for its users. The node also features “reduced thermal resistance for improved heat conduction”. This should make 18AP chips easier to cool.

Securing Apple as a customer will legitimise Intel’s Foundry efforts and might help Intel secure more customers. That’s why Trump’s apparent confirmation of this deal caused a spike in Intel’s share price. Apple gains a new US-based supplier, and Intel gains a vital foothold in the 3rd party foundry business. If Intel can create good enough chips with strong yields, this deal will be a win-win for both companies.