Intel Shares Gain on Renewed Apple Partnership Speculation

Intel's stock staged a notable recovery on Friday, closing up 2.25% at $41.41. This rebound followed recent volatility and was fueled by two significant developments that have reinvigorated the narrative around the company's strategic turnaround. Fresh analyst commentary points to a potential major supply deal with Apple, while a software leak confirms the continuation of Intel's discrete graphics card ambitions.

The positive news arrives as Intel's financial picture shows signs of stabilization. The company's foundry segment, Intel Foundry, reported an operating loss of approximately $7.8 billion for the first nine months of 2025. While still substantial, this figure represents an improvement over the prior-year period, suggesting the intense investment phase for new manufacturing nodes may be moderating. This improving trajectory is further supported by NVIDIA's $5 billion investment in September, which cemented Intel's position as a strategic U.S.-based manufacturing partner for AI infrastructure.

Analyst Foresees iPhone Chip Production by 2028

A key catalyst for the share price movement was analysis from Jeff Pu of GF Securities. In a research note published Friday morning, Pu outlined a scenario where Intel could begin manufacturing the A22 chips for Apple's more affordable iPhone 20 models starting in 2028. According to this analysis, Apple is evaluating Intel's future 14A fabrication process as a potential alternative to its current supplier, TSMC.

This speculation follows a similar report earlier in the week from noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who suggested Intel could start producing simpler Apple M-series chips for Macs and iPads as early as 2027, utilizing its 18A node. The convergence of analysis from two respected sources within days has prompted the market to reassess the long-term revenue potential for Intel Foundry.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Intel?

Battlemage GPU Generation Confirmed via Software Leak

In a separate but concurrent development, Intel's commitment to its discrete graphics card business was seemingly confirmed. Technology website TechPowerUp discovered that Intel had added a new GPU code, "BMG-G31," to its VTune Profiler software. This identifier is linked to a high-end graphics chip from the upcoming Battlemage generation. The entries further associate the chip with future Panther Lake processors.

This discovery effectively dispels recent market rumors that Intel was preparing to exit the gaming GPU market. Instead, it indicates that a product launch, potentially at the CES trade show in 2026, remains in the company's plans.

Market Eyes Key Levels and Future Catalysts

With Friday's advance, Intel's stock has reclaimed the $40 level and is approaching a recent high around $44. A decisive break above this resistance could open a path toward $50, while a drop below $40 would likely test support near $38. In the near term, investors are awaiting official details on the Battlemage architecture. The medium-term focus remains on the successful ramp-up of the 18A manufacturing node.

The prospective Apple deals for 2027 and 2028 present a compelling long-term opportunity. However, their realization is contingent upon Intel meeting stringent quality and performance benchmarks within the next twelve months. The industry's attention now begins to shift toward Intel's next major platform, expected to be its keynote presentation at CES in January 2026.