Mon Dec 01 14:50:00 UTC 2025: Intel Stock Dips Slightly After Analyst Report Fuels Apple Chip Deal Speculation

New York, NY – Intel (INTC) shares experienced a slight downturn Monday morning, falling 1.76% as of 9:55 AM ET, after a surge on Friday ignited by speculation of a potential chip supply deal with Apple. The Friday rally, which saw Intel stock jump 10%, was triggered by a report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Kuo predicted on X that Intel could begin shipping its lowest-end M series processor to Apple as early as the second or third quarter of 2027. He cited improved visibility on Intel becoming an advanced-node supplier for Apple based on recent industry surveys.

The timeline, however, hinges on Intel releasing its process design kit, the blueprint needed for Apple to build chips, expected in early 2026.

Currently, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) supplies Apple’s silicon chips for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. While acknowledging the potential Intel partnership, Kuo downplayed its impact on TSMC, stating that Apple is expected to remain heavily reliant on the Taiwanese company’s advanced nodes for the foreseeable future. He also suggested the order volumes for the low-end M processor would be relatively small, posing “virtually no material impact” on TSMC’s fundamentals or technological lead.

Kuo also emphasized that a deal with Intel would signal strong support from Apple for the U.S. government’s push for domestic manufacturing. Neither Intel nor Apple have released comments on the possible agreement.

Intel’s stock has been recovering over the past year after prices fell as low as $17.66 in April. Analysts see Apple as a major potential customer that could validate Intel’s foundry offering. According to GAM Global Equities, if Intel is successful, they could win more business from Apple, such as CPU production for iPhones, and from other large chip designers.

The company’s history with Apple has been mixed. While Intel processors powered some Apple products starting in 2005, Apple transitioned away from them in the early 2020s.

This news comes shortly after TSMC filed a lawsuit against Intel, alleging a former senior vice president leaked confidential information to the company. Intel has not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

Read More