Intel has reportedly approached Apple about a potential partnership and investment.

But neither Intel nor Apple has yet commented on the rumours.

As Channel News has reported, it has been a big couple of months for the once-flailing chipmaker.

First, Trump and other prominent Republicans called for the resignation of the company’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, over his alleged ties to China.

Then Softbank announced a US$2 billion ($3 billion) investment.

Then Trump decided the US government would, most unconventionally, take a 9.9% stake in the company.

Then Nvidia bought roughly 4% of Intel for US$5 billion ($7.6 billion).

Intel’s recent approaches to Apple might just turn out to be the most consequential development of all.

Talks are early and may not yield a deal.

But an Apple tie-up would bring cash, credibility and a potential anchor customer.

In the space of two months, Intel gone from being widely unloved to Belle of the ball

Markets are certainly taking reporting from the likes of Bloomberg and Reuters seriously.

Intel shares have again jumped in value, reflecting the significant weight an endorsement from Cupertino would carry, both within the tech industry and in the broader business world.

The strategic logic is obvious for both parties.

Intel needs capital and marquee demand to de-risk its next nodes and packaging, as well as a flagship systems partner to prove the new playbook works.

Apple, meanwhile, has every incentive to diversify advanced chip supply beyond TSMC and reinforce US manufacturing resilience.

Even without a foundry commitment from Apple, tighter integration on platforms would help Intel defend PCs and data-centre share against AMD while it rebuilds.

Apple’s involvement in Intel, if it were to happen, would undoubtedly put a rocket under Lip-Bu Tan’s turnaround efforts.

However, until contracts are signed, this remains a high-stakes courtship, not a done deal.