Trump Announces Apple to Partner with Intel on U.S. Chip Production, Sources Say
Former President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Apple Inc. will collaborate with Intel Corporation to design and manufacture computer chips in the United States, according to multiple reports. The claim, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, was later echoed by CNN, The New York Times, and Reuters. However, neither Apple nor Intel has officially confirmed the partnership.
What Do the Reports Say?
Trump’s statement, made during a rally in Michigan, claimed Apple would “start making chips in the U.S. with Intel,” according to The Wall Street Journal. CNN reported that Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, had previously indicated rising iPhone prices, while Trump emphasized the “strategic importance of domestic chip production.” The New York Times and Reuters cited similar details, though none provided direct quotes from Apple or Intel executives.
Why This Matters for the Tech Industry
The potential partnership could signal a shift in U.S. tech manufacturing. Intel, which has faced competition from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Arm-based chipmakers, has been seeking to expand its market share. Apple, which relies on in-house M1 and M2 chips for its Mac computers, has previously sourced components from TSMC and Samsung. A collaboration with Intel might diversify Apple’s supply chain but could also face challenges given Intel’s recent struggles in cutting-edge chip fabrication.
What’s Unverified in the Reports?
As of Friday, neither Apple nor Intel has issued a formal statement about the partnership. Barron’s noted that Intel’s stock rose 4% after the reports, but analysts cautioned that the announcement lacks concrete details. “This is a significant claim, but without official confirmation, it’s unclear how it would materialize,” said Sarah Thompson, a tech industry analyst at Gartner.
How Does This Fit Into Broader Policy Goals?
Trump’s emphasis on “buying American” aligns with his administration’s focus on reshoring critical industries. The move also intersects with recent federal efforts to boost domestic semiconductor production, including the $52 billion CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. However, experts point out that Intel’s current manufacturing capabilities may not yet support large-scale Apple chip production. “Intel needs to catch up on 7-nanometer and 5-nanometer technologies before such a partnership becomes viable,” said Michael Dole, a semiconductor analyst at IDC.
What’s Next for Apple and Intel?
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 lineup, expected to launch in September 2025, could be a test case for any new chip partnerships. Intel, meanwhile, is investing $20 billion in two new chip factories in Ohio, which are set to begin operations in 2025. While the Trump announcement remains unverified, it highlights growing political and corporate interest in securing U.S. tech leadership amid global supply chain tensions.