Five years ago, Apple began transitioning from using Intel processors to power their Mac computers to using their own in-house developed Apple Silicon chips manufactured by TSMC. Now Intel is in talks with Apple about how they might work more closely together, reports Bloomberg.
The report says the discussions began when Intel approached Apple about possibly investing in the faltering chipmaker. However, the talks are still in early days, and nothing might come of it.
Intel has been struggling to keep up with other chipmakers and earlier this year announced that it was cancelling planned factories in Europe, while also cutting 15% of its workforce. The U.S. government in August purchased a 9.9% chunk of Intel with the aim to speed up Intel’s Ohio manufacturing plans.
Intel has also received a $5 billion infusion from Nvidia for chips to power PCs and data centers, as well as a $2 billion investment from Japanese company SoftBank. Intel is reportedly putting feelers out to several other companies for additional funds, as well as possible partnerships.
In addition to using Intel chips for its Macs, Apple also worked with Intel to develop 5G modem chips. Unfortunately for Intel, it couldn’t manufacture chips that met Apple’s standards. Intel eventually left the modem chip business, sell it to Apple.
It’s a sure lock that Apple won’t return to using Intel chips in its Macs, although Apple could possibly used some minor components from Intel.
