Intel Courts Apple, TSMC After Nvidia’s $5 Billion Lifeline
Once dominant in chips, Intel is racing to rebuild momentum with outside investment, strategic partners, and a reset of its foundry ambitions.
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[Image source: Pankaj Kirdatt/MITSMR India]
Intel, struggling to catch up in the AI race, is reportedly seeking fresh backing from Apple and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) after securing a $5 billion investment from Nvidia last week.
Bloomberg reported that the chipmaker has held early talks with Apple over a potential stake, while the Wall Street Journal said Intel has also approached TSMC about investment or a manufacturing partnership.
Chief Executive Lip-Bu Tan is working to broaden Intel’s investor base as the company tries to steady itself against rivals Nvidia and AMD, the reports said.
Intel previously raised $2 billion from SoftBank in August.
Talks with Apple and TSMC preceded the US government’s equity investment in Intel, which gave it a 9.9% stake through an $8.9 billion conversion of grants into shares last month.
Intel earlier explored separating its foundry business from its design arm as part of internal restructuring efforts.
Saving a Sinking Ship
Once a flag bearer of the tech industry, Intel has fallen behind in the AI race against peers like Nvidia and AMD.
The Trump administration has been trying to influence Intel’s standing. The US government’s equity purchase converted previously awarded CHIPS Act grants and Secure Enclave program funds into equity, giving the government a passive stake with no board rights or control.
Intel warned in an SEC filing that the deal could expose it to business and geopolitical risks, especially abroad.
For months leading up to this deal, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other administrative members have been urging tech companies to collaborate closely with Intel.
The stock market reaction was sharp. Nvidia’s $5 billion investment, roughly a 4% stake, sent Intel stock soaring by 28% early on the news.
The SoftBank infusion also contributed to investor optimism, pushing shares up more than 40% since mid‑August.
While Apple and Intel have confirmed only early discussions, the talks are in early stages and may not materialize into a deal.
In a related move, Intel and TSMC earlier explored forming a joint venture in which TSMC would take a 20% stake, the Information reported.
Since assuming the CEO role in March, Tan has prioritized partnerships and external investment to revive Intel’s position in a fast-shifting semiconductor landscape.
