Trump Announces Apple (AAPL), Intel (INTC) Partnership for U.S. Chip Production

U.S. President Trump announced on June 18, 2026, that Apple (AAPL) and Intel (INTC) have partnered to design and manufacture chips within the United States. This long-anticipated collaboration marks a significant strategic shift for both tech giants and represents a key milestone in the U.S. government's initiative to bring semiconductor supply chains back home and rebuild domestic chip manufacturing capabilities. The partnership offers strategic value to both companies. For Apple, it diversifies its supply chain, reducing reliance on single manufacturers like TSMC (2330-TW) and securing domestic production capacity amid intense competition for advanced processes driven by AI demand. For Intel, the deal significantly boosts its Intel Foundry Services (IFS) business and validates its 18A manufacturing technology, which entered initial production earlier this week. The Trump administration's policy push played a crucial role, having acquired a 10% stake in Intel and planning approximately $10 billion in investments for U.S. factory expansion in 2025. The Wall Street Journal reported in May 2026 that a preliminary agreement for chip manufacturing had been reached.