Intel shares up on report Apple explores diversifying chip suppliers beyond TSMC

Investing.com-- Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) has held exploratory talks with Intel Corp (NASDAQ: INTC) and Samsung Electronics (KS:005930) about producing main processors for its devices, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The move comes as the iPhone maker looks to diversify beyond long-time partner Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE: TSM), the report said.

Intel shares rose 3.3% in premarket U.S. trade while Samsung Electronics stock closed at a new record high of KRW232,500, up 5.4% on the day.

The discussions are at an early stage and reflect Apple’s effort to reduce reliance on a single supplier for its custom chips, which power iPhones, iPads, and Macs, Bloomberg reported.

Apple has engaged Intel about potentially using its foundry services, while company executives have also visited Samsung’s new chip manufacturing facility under development in Texas, the report said.

Any shift would mark a significant change in Apple’s supply chain strategy, though no final decisions have been made, the report added.

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