The
$INTC x
$AAPL Partnership Thesis 🤝
For all the talk about potential partnerships for Intel's Foundry Services (IFS), like
$MSFT,
$AMZN, or even
$TSLA, the forgotten rumor was Apple.
Let's talk about it:
Amid Intel's IFS push and Apple's
$TSM reliance, a potential partnership could diversify Apple's supply chain, leveraging Intel's U.S. fabs and Arm expertise.
This under-the-radar collab makes strategic sense for both parties, countering geopolitical risks and boosting Intel's foundry wins.
Rumors originated from a Bloomberg report back in September stating that Intel approached Apple for early-stage investment and deeper ties, including foundry use, but nothing came of it.
- Why it makes sense -
AI / Data Center Push:
- Apple's investments of over $1B+ in AI infrastructure and purchase of
$NVDA systems could create opportunities for IFS for custom AI/server silicon complements Gaudi3, while securing domestic capacity.
- Intel's Gaudi3 AI accelerators (for training/inference) pair with Nvidia systems. Apple could fab custom Arm-based server chips (e.g., M-series variants) on IFS's 18A/14A nodes, integrating Gaudi for hybrid clusters, boosting efficiency without full Nvidia dependency.
- Domestic Capacity: With TSMC overloaded and US-China tensions, IFS's US fabs (CHIPS Act-funded) offer secure, low-latency production for Apple's Houston servers and data centers, hedging geopolitical risks while accelerating 2026+ rollout.
- Strategic Fit: Aligns with Apple's $10B manufacturing fund and Nvidia buys. IFS has secured wins already with
$MSFT and
$AMZN, which validate it as a TSMC alternative, potentially shifting 10-20% volume for AI silicon by 2027.
Arm Architecture Fit:
- Intel holds Arm license and fabricates Arm chips (Lunar Lake). Apple's Arm-based M-chips align perfectly. Intel provides 14A process design kits (PDKs) to partners for testing. Apple could evaluate them for M-chips and success could shift production volume from TSMC to IFS.
Modem IP Legacy:
- Apple bought Intel's modem business in 2019 for $1B, which has ongoing use in iPhones. This could extend to IFS for modems or A-series variants on 14A, leveraging existing IP and US fabs.
IFS Momentum:
- Confirmed wins with Microsoft (MAIA), AWS, DoD. Apple as anchor customer mirrors the Tesla, Nvidia, and
$AMD interest. It ultimately fills Intel's underutilized fabs and accelerates CHIPS Act ROI, while pushing government support with Intel.
Apple x IFS deal would be a geopolitical win, supply chain hedge, and IFS game-changer. America will win. Intel will succeed. 🇺🇸🚀
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