Intel's Foundry Ambitions Gain Momentum as Nvidia, Apple Eye 2028 Production Deals

Intel's long-held ambition to become a major player in the global chip foundry business may be nearing a critical inflection point. According to industry sources, the semiconductor giant is in serious talks with both Nvidia and Apple to produce portions of their next-generation chips, with potential production timelines set for 2028.

The move signals a strategic shift for Intel as it aggressively expands its Intel Foundry Services (IFS) arm to compete directly with established leaders like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Samsung Electronics. For Nvidia, the discussions are said to center on future GPUs based on its upcoming "Feynman" architecture, while Apple is evaluating Intel for certain components, diversifying its manufacturing base beyond its primary partner, TSMC.

"This isn't just about adding capacity; it's about reshaping the geopolitical and competitive landscape of chipmaking," said Dr. Anya Sharma, a semiconductor analyst at the TechInsight Group. "If Intel secures even one of these deals, it validates their massive $20 billion-plus investments in new U.S. fabs and advanced packaging technologies. It tells the market that IFS is a credible, cutting-edge alternative."

The potential partnerships come amid growing demand for reliable, geographically diverse semiconductor production. The CHIPS Act in the U.S. has fueled domestic investment, and major tech firms are increasingly seeking to mitigate supply chain risks. For Intel, landing marquee clients like Nvidia and Apple would provide the volume and technical validation needed to justify its capital-intensive foundry build-out.

However, significant hurdles remain. Intel must prove it can deliver on the most advanced manufacturing nodes (like its upcoming 18A process) with the yield and consistency that these demanding clients require. The 2028 timeline suggests both companies are looking at post-2nm era technology, where competition will be fiercest.

Community Voices: A Split Verdict on Intel's Gamble

Marcus Chen, Portfolio Manager at Horizon Capital: "This is the bullish thesis for INTC coming to life. The stock has been priced as a legacy CPU company. If these deals materialize, the market must revalue Intel as a foundry-growth story with a captive, high-margin revenue stream. The upside is substantial."

Sarah Jenkins, Tech Policy Advocate: "From a national security and supply chain resilience standpoint, this is unequivocally positive news. Having a U.S.-based, trusted foundry capable of producing the world's most advanced chips for American designers reduces a critical strategic vulnerability."

David R. Miller, former chip engineer and industry blogger: "Let's not pop the champagne yet. Intel has overpromised and underdelivered on process nodes for a decade. Talking to Apple and Nvidia is one thing; mass-producing their most complex designs on schedule and at cost is another. This feels like a PR move to buoy the stock while the real execution challenges—which are monumental—remain. I'll believe it when I see the first wafer out the door."

Priya Desai, Supply Chain Consultant: "The 2028 timeline is key. It gives Intel a five-year runway to prove its technology. For Apple and Nvidia, it's a low-risk option—they secure future capacity and gain negotiating leverage with TSMC without committing significant volume today. It's a smart hedge for everyone involved."

Investors will be closely monitoring Intel's upcoming earnings calls for any confirmation or details on these discussions. The success of IFS is central to CEO Pat Gelsinger's IDM 2.0 strategy, and securing anchor customers of this caliber would be its most significant validation to date.