Intel Begins 18A-P Production, Apple Deal Boosts Turnaround
On June 16-18, 2026, Intel announced risk production of its advanced 18A-P chip and secured a preliminary chip-making agreement with Apple, as confirmed by President Trump. The milestone, part of CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s turnaround, bolsters Intel’s foundry business against TSMC amid surging AI-driven CPU demand. Intel stock surged over 250% year-to-date, with Google and Nvidia also exploring Intel’s processes, despite a $2.4 billion foundry loss.
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Apple and Intel Sign Historic U.S. Chip Partnership; Intel Stock Surges
According to a Truth Social post by President Donald Trump, Apple has agreed to design and build chips in the United States with Intel. This marks a major milestone in Intel's turnaround, following a $8.9 billion US government investment in August 2025 that sparked a 440% rally in Intel stock. The deal could shift chip supply away from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC), which currently provides nearly all of Apple's chips and is stretched thin by AI demand. Intel currently trades at 123 times forward earnings, indicating high growth expectations are already priced in. The author expresses caution, recommending investors wait for a concrete purchase agreement before buying Intel stock.
Yahoo FinanceIntel stock surges on reported Apple chip deal as turnaround gains momentum
Intel stock soared 10% on June 18, 2026, after President Trump posted on Truth Social that Apple had agreed to work with Intel to build its processors, following a Wall Street Journal report of a preliminary chip-making agreement. Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon suggested the deal likely involves low-volume parts initially, with Intel needing to prove its capabilities for larger wins. The news adds to Intel's turnaround momentum, which includes building 3 million TPUs for Google and Nvidia exploring Intel as a fabrication partner. Intel's 18A-P processor node has entered initial production. The company's stock has surged over 250% year-to-date and 500% over the past 12 months, driven by AI demand for CPUs and capacity constraints at TSMC. CEO Lip-Bu Tan continues the turnaround strategy started by predecessor Pat Gelsinger, focusing on cost cuts and foundry services.
Yahoo FinanceIntel's reported Apple chip deal sends stock soaring as turnaround gains momentum
Intel stock surged 10% on June 18, 2026, after President Trump posted on Truth Social that Apple had agreed to work with Intel to build its processors, following a Wall Street Journal report of a preliminary chip-making agreement. Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon speculated the deal would initially involve low-volume, less important parts, with Intel needing to prove its mettle for larger wins. The news adds to Intel's turnaround momentum, which includes building 3 million TPUs for Google and Nvidia exploring Intel as a fabricator. Intel's 18A-P processor node has entered initial production. The AI boom and TSMC capacity constraints are driving fabless chip companies to Intel. Intel's stock has risen over 250% since the start of 2026 and 500% over the past 12 months, boosted by increased CPU demand from AI agents.
Yahoo FinanceIntel Begins Risk Production of Most Advanced 18A-P Chip, Stock Rallies
Intel (INTC) shares surged on June 17, 2026, after the company announced it has begun 'risk production' for its next-generation 18A-P manufacturing node, its most advanced chip to date. This milestone brings Intel closer to finalizing a potential chip-making deal with Apple and strengthens its position to compete for premium foundry clients. The 18A-P node offers a 9% performance boost at matched power or 18% energy reduction at equal performance, incorporating RibbonFET, PowerVia, and a new 'Power Boost' transistor design. The news is bullish for Intel as it de-risks its foundry roadmap and demonstrates commercial viability. However, Wall Street analysts maintain a 'Hold' consensus rating with a mean price target of $93, suggesting over 23% downside from current levels, indicating many positives may already be priced in.
Yahoo FinanceIntel begins production of anticipated 18A-P chips, as AI continues to drive CPU demand
Intel announced on June 16, 2026, that its upgraded 18A-P process node has entered initial production. This performance-focused node is an enhancement of the existing 18A technology used in Intel's Core Series 3 and Xeon 6+ processors. The milestone is part of Intel's turnaround effort under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who replaced Pat Gelsinger in 2025. The company is also building its foundry business to compete with TSMC, with reports that Google has placed orders and Nvidia is testing Intel's processes. Despite a $2.4 billion operating loss in its foundry segment in Q1, Intel's stock has surged 224% year-to-date, driven by surging CPU demand from the global AI build-out, particularly for AI agents. Wall Street projects a 38% revenue jump in Intel's Data Center and AI segment for Q2.
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