The Chipmaker’s Masquerade

A most curious spectacle unfolds within the realm of silicon. It appears that Nvidia, that purveyor of graphical enchantments, has, through a prodigious demand for its artificial intelligences, displaced Apple from its favored position with TSMC, the venerable foundry. One hears whispers from the CEO of Nvidia himself – a pronouncement delivered with the gravity befitting a king surveying his newly acquired dominion.

For some time, Apple enjoyed a privilege most uncommon – a fast track to innovation and, shall we say, a leniency regarding imperfections. A peculiar arrangement, indeed! But now, as the winds of fortune shift and the demand for these thinking machines swells, this special treatment appears to be waning. It is rumored that Apple must now compete as do other mortals, and endure the inevitable burden of increased costs. A humbling prospect, to be sure.

But who, pray tell, stands to benefit from Apple’s momentary discomfiture? The answer, surprisingly, is Intel. Yes, that once-dominant force, now poised for a most unexpected resurgence. A twist worthy of the finest comedies!

The Rumors Take Flight

Analysts, those keen observers of the financial stage, have begun to elevate their assessments of Intel’s stock. The reason? A persistent murmur that Apple is considering entrusting Intel with the fabrication of certain of its chips. Specifically, a version of the Intel 18A process for its more modest M-series. Should this come to pass, it could represent a substantial order – some fifteen to twenty million chips annually, according to the astute Ming-Chi Kuo.

Further speculation suggests that Apple is also contemplating the Intel 14A process for future iterations of its iPhone. Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, expresses a commendable optimism regarding this process. A cautious optimism, one might add, befitting a man navigating the treacherous waters of technological advancement.

These whispers gain credence if, as appears likely, Apple’s privileged status at TSMC is indeed eroding. As Apple casts its gaze towards the products of 2027, 2028, and 2029, it must secure a sufficient supply of these essential components. With TSMC no longer inclined to offer special favors, and the cost of advanced manufacturing soaring, Apple has every reason to seek alternative avenues.

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A Turn of Fortune for the Foundry

Intel, until recently a laggard in this AI-driven drama, now finds itself in a most advantageous position. It is poised to capture orders from companies unable to secure sufficient capacity at TSMC. In this next act of the AI boom, Intel could emerge as a significant victor, as Apple and others clamor for manufacturing resources.

Intel’s stock has experienced a surge, and another appears to be brewing. Should Apple indeed choose Intel as a foundry partner, any lingering doubts regarding Intel’s strategic direction would vanish. With Nvidia now reportedly surpassing Apple in expenditures at TSMC, the stage is set for a renaissance in Intel’s foundry business. A most delightful turn of events, wouldn’t you agree?

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2026-01-22 14:42