A recent speculation has emerged suggesting that both Apple and Samsung are interested in purchasing Intel. Prior to this, Qualcomm was also thought to be in the market for a similar acquisition. The idea of Intel merging with another firm seems more plausible now, especially given its reported net losses of $16.6 billion this quarter. Interestingly, it appears that the U.S. government also sees potential in this scenario.
Government's Involvement
According to Semfor, the U.S. Commerce Department is exploring various methods to assist Intel. While a direct financial boost through the CHIPS Act could provide some relief, it may not be sufficient. The department might "suggest" a merger with competitors like AMD or Marvell. Although not specifically named, Apple seems like a likely option due to its significant cash reserves and its role in producing high-end chips. Furthermore, being an American company adds to its appeal.
Intel's Current Standing
For the time being, Intel seems to be in a relatively stable position after securing a large order from the U.S. Department of Defense and Amazon Web Services. The company is pinning its hopes on the success of its 18A node technology to aid in its recovery. However, it’s perhaps premature to guess what the future holds for Intel with government involvement, but we shouldn’t have to wait too long for answers.