Intel, the U.S. semiconductor corporations struggling with management woes, has reportedly asked Apple for an investment. Following Intel's recent announcement that it would seek cooperation with Japan's SoftBank and Nvidia, attention is turning to whether additional cooperation will proceed with Apple, a former client.
Bloomberg News reported on the 24th (local time), citing sources, that "Apple and Intel discussed ways to work closely together, and the talks are in the early stages." It added, however, that the talks may not lead to an agreement. The sources also said Intel is contacting other corporations for potential investment and partnerships.
Apple was a longtime client of Intel. But about five years ago, it began developing its own processors and has been outsourcing production to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's largest foundry (contract chip manufacturing) company.
With most of its production lines overseas, Apple has recently been expanding investment in the United States, raising the possibility of an investment in Intel. In Aug., Apple announced at the White House that it would invest $600 billion in its U.S. operations over the next four years. This is an expansion from its previous $500 billion investment plan.
Intel and Apple did not respond to requests for comment.