Rumored Apple Deal Sends Intel Stock to 52-Week High on Nasdaq Surge

Intel’s stock price surged to a new annual peak today. The chipmaker’s shares jumped over 7% in morning trading. This rally makes Intel the top performer on the Nasdaq 100 index for the session.

Market excitement is tied to fresh speculation. Analysts report Apple may use Intel as a future chip manufacturer. This potential partnership marks a significant shift in the semiconductor industry’s landscape.

Intel Leads Market with Historic Single-Day Gain

Intel’s stock closed at $42.86 on Tuesday. This represented a gain of $2.85 per share. The increase pushed the stock to its highest closing price since April of last year.

According to Reuters, trading volume was exceptionally high. Intel was the second most active stock on the Nasdaq. The rally extends a recent streak of positive performance for the company.

The surge highlights renewed investor confidence. Intel’s ambitious turnaround plan appears to be gaining traction. The company’s focus on advanced manufacturing is central to this renewed optimism.

Analyst Report Sparks Apple Foundry Partnership Speculation

The primary catalyst for the stock move is a specific industry report. A well-known analyst suggested Apple could tap Intel for future chip production. The partnership would focus on lower-end processors for Macs and iPads.

This production could begin as early as 2027. It would utilize Intel’s upcoming 18A manufacturing process. For Apple, this represents a strategic step to diversify its supply chain away from a single provider.

For Intel, landing Apple as a customer would be a major coup. It would validate the company’s costly efforts to rebuild its manufacturing prowess. The deal, while limited initially, could open the door to larger contracts.

A Turning Point in a Stellar Year for Intel

Today’s jump caps an already remarkable year for Intel shareholders. The stock has more than doubled in value since January. This performance marks Intel’s best year since the late 1990s.

The company’s third-quarter earnings recently beat analyst expectations. Cost-cutting measures and growth in new business units are showing results. The foundry services division is a key part of the long-term growth strategy.

Investors are betting that Intel can compete in the contract chipmaking business. Success there would reduce its reliance on designing and selling its own processors. The potential Apple deal is seen as a critical test of this new direction.

The spike in Intel stock underscores how quickly sentiment can change on Wall Street. A single credible rumor about a future Apple partnership has reinvigorated the investment thesis for the entire company. Intel’s path to reclaiming its manufacturing crown now looks more credible than it has in years.

Info at your fingertips

Why did Intel stock go up today?

Intel stock soared over 7% due to a market report. The report suggested Apple might use Intel’s factories to make some of its laptop chips starting in 2027. This news fueled investor optimism about Intel’s new contract manufacturing business.

What is the rumored deal between Apple and Intel?

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported Apple is considering Intel as a foundry partner. The plan would involve Intel producing Apple’s lowest-tier M-series processors. This would help Apple diversify its chip production away from Taiwan-based TSMC.

How high did Intel stock reach?

The stock hit a new 52-week high of $42.51 during trading. It closed the session at $42.86. This is the highest closing price for Intel shares since April 2, 2024.

Is Intel having a good year in 2025?

Yes, Intel’s stock performance in 2025 has been exceptionally strong. Shares have gained over 113% since the start of the year. This makes it one of the best-performing major semiconductor stocks in the market.

What does this mean for the chip industry?

A potential Intel-Apple deal could reshape the competitive landscape. It would establish Intel as a credible alternative to TSMC for advanced manufacturing. This would give major tech companies more options and supply chain security.

When would this Apple deal start?

The analyst report indicates production could begin in the second or third quarter of 2027. This timeline depends on the successful development and readiness of Intel’s advanced 18A manufacturing node. The deal is not yet officially confirmed by either company.