After the US government's controversial 10% stake in Intel, the company is shopping for investment from other companies, like Apple.

It was only April when we last heard about Apple, Intel, and TSMC working together for increased chip production in the United States. While that rumor has quieted since, it seems Intel is seeking a more formal investment from Apple.

According to a report from Bloomberg, Intel has approached Apple about a potential investment. Nothing else has been shared, and neither company has commented on the matter.

Nvidia announced a $5 billion investment into Intel earlier in September, and SoftBank Group also announced a $2 billion investment into Intel in August. This all followed the United States government purchasing a 10% stake in Intel in August.

Intel hasn't been a particularly innovative company in over a decade, which is part of the reason Apple shifted to Apple Silicon. Intel missed out on the smartphone revolution after refusing to supply iPhone chips, then it missed out on the AI revolution as well.

That said, Intel is still a force in the industry, providing chips for a mass of consumer products. Even so, the company struggles to excel in the space or break away from repeated poor earnings.

Apple hasn't been a part of this conversation so far, but there is little doubt that Intel hopes to leverage Apple's position for heavy investment. CEO Tim Cook has had to curry favor with Trump through various meetings, dinners, and increased investment promises.

A lot of what Apple and Cook have done so far is mostly what they'd be doing anyway, with a little Trump praise piled on top. An investment into Intel may also fit that strategy.

The rumor mentioned previously suggested Apple wants to utilize the Intel foundries across the United States for TSMC operations. The coordinated effort would bring TSMC engineers and equipment to the Intel foundries to train US workers and make Apple chips.

Investments from other companies seem to have similar mixed objectives. Some investment in Intel will benefit these companies, but it will no doubt put them in good favor with the Trump administration.

Nothing has been announced, and discussions may not go anywhere. However, don't be surprised if Apple reveals a significant investment into Intel to aid in bringing chip production to the US and satisfy more of the Trump administration's expectations of continuous gestures of support.