Apple and Nvidia considering Intel for 2028 chip production, report claims — non-core products may be outsourced, driven by tariffs and geopolitical concerns

Geopolitical concerns, political pressure from the U.S. government, potential tariffs imposed on semiconductors produced outside of the U.S., and capacity constraints are pushing Apple and Nvidia to consider outsourcing production and packaging of some of their processors to Intel in the U.S., reports DigiTimes. The two companies are reportedly considering outsourcing some of their non-core products to Intel in 2028. Neither of the companies have confirmed the plans.

Apple and Nvidia are reportedly considering using Intel’s 18A (or rather 18A-P) or Intel 14A process technology, though it remains to be seen whether Intel has enough advanced capacity for third-party customers in 2028. In addition to the sheer scale of production that Intel must offer to land orders with Apple and Nvidia, it will also have to offer an easy way to port chip designs from TSMC process nodes to its own fabrication technologies, as well as deliver the desired performance and power consumption targets. Yet, keeping in mind that both companies are reportedly looking at Intel primarily due to political pressure, geopolitical concerns, and tariff risks, they might relax some of their demands if key goals are met.