Intel’s stock value surged after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Apple will work with Intel to design and manufacture chips in the United States, although key details surrounding the agreement remain unclear, including delivery timelines, production volumes, and financial terms.
Reports of Apple exploring a potential manufacturing partnership with Intel emerged earlier, with test production reportedly beginning in May 2026.
In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump stated that “Apple has agreed to work with Intel to design and build its chips in America.” Following the announcement, Intel shares climbed 8.8% in premarket trading, while Apple stock gained 0.6%.
The announcement follows discussions around semiconductor supply chains during the G7 summit, where reducing dependence on overseas chip manufacturing—particularly Taiwan-based production—was a major focus.
According to industry analysts, the Intel partnership is expected to be a significant multi-year arrangement. However, the agreement is unlikely to involve Apple’s newest flagship processors.
Intel is reportedly expected to manufacture older-generation or lower-end chips rather than processors for upcoming premium products such as the iPhone 18 Pro Max or future M-series Mac processors.
The most likely scenario is that Intel could produce previous-generation Apple silicon for products such as iPad Pro models, MacBook Air devices, or non-Pro iPhone variants, while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) continues handling Apple’s most advanced chips.
Apple has previously worked with multiple semiconductor manufacturers, with Samsung among the companies that produced Apple’s A-series chips in earlier years.
The move could allow Apple to diversify its supply chain by relying on TSMC for cutting-edge processor designs while using Intel’s U.S.-based manufacturing capacity for additional chip production.
iPhone Air Successor With Dual-Camera System Rumored for Spring 2027 Launch
Apple’s next-generation iPhone Air is reportedly in development, with rumors suggesting the iPhone Air 2 could launch in early 2027 featuring improved battery performance and an upgraded camera system.
The first iPhone Air debuted in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 lineup as a new addition to Apple’s smartphone range, positioned between the standard iPhone models and the higher-end Pro series. Unlike Apple’s main iPhone lineup, the Air model was not expected to follow a yearly upgrade cycle.
According to reports, the second-generation iPhone Air could arrive in spring 2027 alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, following Apple’s rumored shift toward a split release schedule for different iPhone categories.
The biggest expected upgrades for the iPhone Air 2 are improved battery life and the addition of an ultra-wide camera, addressing two of the main limitations of the original model. The current iPhone Air focuses on its ultra-thin design, but sacrifices some features compared with Apple’s Pro models.
However, details around the device remain uncertain, with reports noting that specifications and release timelines could change before launch.
The iPhone Air represents a new direction in Apple’s product strategy, offering customers a choice between the standard iPhone, the premium Pro models, and a thinner, design-focused Air variant.
Industry speculation suggests Apple may continue positioning the iPhone Air as a separate product category, while a future foldable iPhone is expected to sit above it as a more premium device.
While some rumors have suggested the iPhone Air’s release schedule was affected by sales performance, the product’s positioning indicates Apple likely intended it to follow a different upgrade path from the main iPhone lineup.
Whether Apple continues launching iPhone Air models annually or follows a longer update cycle remains unclear, but improvements to battery life and camera capability appear to be key priorities for the next generation.
Trump Confirms Apple Will Purchase Chips Manufactured by Intel
