Rumors are circulating again that Apple might acquire Intel, the well-known chipmaker that Apple departed from in 2020 with the launch of its own Apple Silicon chips. This speculation, shared by the popular tech YouTube channel "Moore’s Law is Dead," points out that Apple could gain practical benefits if it bought Intel. But despite the buzz, this rumor has plenty of skeptics.
Intel’s relevance has undeniably shifted over the past decade. While once dominating processor design, the company has recently been known more for its ambitious announcements than for actual breakthroughs. A potential Apple-Intel acquisition could provide Apple with additional chip production capacity in the U.S., access to Intel's foundries, and expertise in chip design that could benefit Apple Silicon.
However, Intel may also have other suitors. Samsung, Qualcomm, and other tech giants are named as potential contenders, with Qualcomm possibly seeking a partnership that would help it compete with NVIDIA and AMD in markets Apple also targets. An Apple-Intel merger would prevent such partnerships, securing Apple’s competitive advantage in the chip market and broadening its influence in U.S.-based production.
Another key factor is regulatory approval. The DOJ and global regulatory bodies could challenge the merger on grounds of antitrust and competition law, given the increasing scrutiny of Big Tech’s growth. Countries like the U.K. have also proven willing to intervene, as seen in Microsoft’s recent bid for Activision Blizzard.
For now, Apple’s acquisition of Intel remains largely speculative, yet intriguing. It’s unlikely that Apple will move forward with this acquisition, especially given regulatory challenges and the company’s current autonomy in chip production. While some Apple executives with long memories may relish the idea of a future where Windows depends on Apple, the acquisition is seen by many as impractical.
