Trump Says Apple to Partner With Intel for Chip Manufacturing in the US
US pushes domestic semiconductor production as Apple moves to reduce reliance on TSMC amid global AI-driven chip demand surge.
Washington, June 18, 2026: US President Donald Trump has announced that Apple and Intel have agreed to collaborate on the design and manufacturing of semiconductor chips within the United States, marking a significant development in the country’s push to strengthen domestic technology production.
The announcement was made through a post on Truth Social, where Trump stated that Apple would work closely with Intel to expand chip-related operations on American soil. The move is being viewed as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependency on overseas semiconductor supply chains and reinforce US leadership in advanced technology manufacturing.
The partnership is expected to help Apple diversify its production ecosystem, which has long been heavily reliant on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). TSMC remains one of the world’s most advanced chip producers, but its facilities are currently operating under heavy demand pressure from major AI-focused companies such as Nvidia and AMD. This has increased competition for manufacturing capacity across the global semiconductor industry.
Industry observers note that Apple’s collaboration with Intel could provide the company with additional access to chip production capabilities, potentially easing supply constraints as demand for high-performance processors continues to grow. For Intel, the agreement represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen its foundry business and secure a high-profile customer in the consumer electronics sector.
According to earlier reports published in May by the Wall Street Journal, Intel had been in advanced discussions with Apple regarding a preliminary arrangement for chip manufacturing. While neither company has officially confirmed the latest development, both Apple and Intel have declined to respond to media inquiries outside regular business hours.
Intel’s manufacturing division has faced competitive challenges in recent years, particularly in comparison to TSMC’s leading-edge production capabilities. However, the company has recently reported progress in its next-generation fabrication technology, known as 18A, which has reportedly entered early production stages. This development is being closely watched as Intel attempts to regain technological leadership in semiconductor manufacturing.
The US government has also played a growing role in shaping the domestic chip industry. Last year, the administration acquired a 10 percent stake in Intel and announced plans to invest approximately $10 billion to support the expansion and modernization of semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the United States.
President Trump has previously commented on the government’s involvement in Intel, suggesting that the initial stake could have been larger. He also noted that the value of the government’s holding has significantly increased since the investment was made, reflecting rising interest in the semiconductor sector.
In recent years, US policy has increasingly focused on securing critical supply chains, particularly in semiconductors and rare earth materials. The administration has taken steps to reduce dependence on foreign manufacturing hubs, especially in China, by encouraging domestic production and strategic investments in key technology companies.
The Apple-Intel collaboration is expected to align with these broader policy objectives, potentially reshaping the landscape of semiconductor manufacturing in the United States. Analysts believe that such partnerships could strengthen supply chain resilience while also intensifying competition in an already rapidly evolving global chip market.
As AI technologies continue to drive unprecedented demand for advanced processors, the semiconductor industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation. The proposed Apple-Intel partnership is likely to be closely watched by global competitors, policymakers, and investors as it develops in the coming months.