Intel Stock Skyrockets on Client Speculation: Are Nvidia & Apple Deals Imminent?

Rumors are swirling, and Intel's share price is flying. The chipmaker's stock surged today as whispers of major new client deals hit the market.

The Big Names in the Mix

Speculation centers on two tech titans: Nvidia and Apple. Street chatter suggests Intel's manufacturing arm could be gearing up for a significant partnership, sending investors into a frenzy. No official confirmations yet—just the kind of hopeful speculation that moves markets before any real ink hits paper.

Why This Matters Now

For Intel, landing a marquee client like Nvidia for its foundry services would be a game-changer, a direct challenge to TSMC's dominance. An Apple deal, even for a secondary component, would signal a massive vote of confidence in Intel's turnaround story. The market is betting on the narrative, not the nitty-gritty.

The Finance Jab

It's the classic Wall Street play: buy the rumor, sell the news. Today's pop feels like a classic case of investors chasing a headline, hoping to get out before the details—or lack thereof—bring everyone back to reality. Nothing fuels a rally quite like unconfirmed potential.

One thing's clear: all eyes are on Intel's next move. The pressure's on to turn this rumor-fueled momentum into tangible, contract-sealed reality.

Key Takeaways

• Intel shares soared Wednesday, amid a broader rally for chip and AI-exposed stocks.
• Nvidia and Apple are planning to shift some 2028 chip production to Intel, DigiTimes reported Wednesday, adding to fuel to earlier rumors they could become clients.

Could Intel be closer to winning new chipmaking contracts from Nvidia and Apple?

On a day when chip stocks were rising broadly, helped by strong orders and a rosy outlook from semiconductor-equipment Maker ASML (ASML), Intel (INTC) shares were among the biggest gainers. The stock jumped 11% Wednesday as a report suggested the struggling chipmaker could be set to win some new clients for its manufacturing business.

Nvidia (NVDA) and Apple (AAPL) are planning to shift some 2028 chip production to Intel, while still maintaining their relationships with current supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM), according to a report from Taiwan-based DigiTimes.

Intel declined to remark on the report. TSMC, Apple, and Nvidia did not respond to Investopedia's requests for comment in time for publication.

Why This Is Significant

Chipmaking deals with Nvidia and Apple WOULD represent a major step forward for Intel, which has struggled to win new customers for its manufacturing business, and could boost confidence in its stock.

During Intel's earnings call last week, CEO Lip-Bu Tan said the company has been engaging a few prospective customers that are in the process of evaluating its manufacturing processes, according to a transcript provided by AlphaSense. It's unclear whether they included Apple and Nvidia.

The report from DigiTimes, which has added fuel to earlier rumors that Nvidia and Apple are considering new contracts with Intel, nodded to U.S. manufacturing mandates and tariff pressures as forces in Intel's favor.

Some Wall Street analysts have also previously suggested a deal with Intel could be seen as a way to win some political goodwill, after President Donald TRUMP brokered a deal last year that saw the U.S. government take a 10% stake in the chipmaker.

Related Education

Meanwhile for TSMC, the word's largest chip manufacturer, "the anticipated order diversions to Intel may represent more opportunity than threat," DigiTimes wrote, as such moves could ease regulatory scrutiny and U.S. political pressure.

TSMC shares advanced 1% Wednesday, while Nvidia climbed close to 2%, and Apple slipped about 1%.

With today's gains, shares of Intel have added nearly a third of their value in 2026 so far.