Intel Seeks Apple as Strategic Investor in Turnaround Bid

Intel has approached Apple to become a strategic investor, signaling a potential revival for the chipmaker amid recent high-profile backing from Nvidia and SoftBank. The move follows Nvidia's $5 billion commitment and SoftBank's $2 billion injection, positioning Intel at the nexus of semiconductor industry realignment.

Discussions between Apple and Intel remain preliminary but hint at possible collaboration on smartphone chips—a notable shift given Apple's 2019 pivot to in-house M-series processors. Pre-market trading saw Intel shares rise 3.7% on the news, with Apple edging marginally higher.

The U.S. government's 10% stake in Intel adds geopolitical weight to these developments, creating a complex tapestry of public-private partnerships in the fiercely competitive chip sector.