Episode summary
Apple Weighs Using Intel, Samsung to Build Device Processors | Bloomberg Intelligence
Bloomberg Intelligence
· · Hosts: Paul Sweeney, Scarlet Fu · Guests: Caroline Hyde, Geetha Ranganathan, Paul Gulberg, Diksha Gera
Summary
Apple is exploring exploratory discussions with Intel and Samsung Electronics about making main processors for its devices in the US, a possible secondary path beyond Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The host framed it as a major shift for Apple’s supply chain, with the guest saying the move reflects long-running worries about dependence on Taiwan, geopolitics, and bottlenecks, while also aligning with US policy to expand domestic chip manufacturing. The discussion also noted that Apple’s demand for Macs is strong enough that supply, not demand, has become the near-term constraint.
Paramount Skydance posted first-quarter results that beat expectations, with the guest highlighting revenue strength, streaming subscriber gains and about $250 million in adjusted EBIDA. Even so, the stock fell as investors worried about execution on the proposed Warner Bros. Discovery combination, including leverage, dilution, regulatory issues and the challenge of closing a deal that would create a much larger streaming platform.
The show also covered cost cuts at Coinbase and PayPal. Coinbase is cutting about 14% of its workforce as it adjusts to volatile crypto markets and leans more on AI and automation, while PayPal plans to cut around 20% of staff over two to three years as it tries to improve margins, rebuild growth and prove the turnaround is real.
Key takeaways
- Apple’s talks with Intel and Samsung signal a push to reduce reliance on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and increase US-based chip sourcing, the host said.
- The guest said Apple’s Mac demand is so strong that supply constraints, not weak demand, are limiting sales.
- Paramount Skydance beat first-quarter expectations, but investors are focused on post-deal leverage, dilution and execution risk around Warner Bros. Discovery.
- Coinbase is cutting about 14% of its workforce as the guest said volatility, not just AI, is driving the move.
- PayPal’s planned 20% workforce reduction is aimed at cost savings, but the guest said investors still want proof that growth can reaccelerate.
Notable quotes
“Apple's held exploratory discussions with Intel and Samsung about producing main processors for its devices in the US”
“About 90% of all chips in the world are made in Taiwan. That is a huge potential choke point, bottleneck concern”
“I think there is a change of heart”
“It needs to be faster, more focused, and more competitive at checkout”
How the episode opens
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That Apple news really that Charlie was just reporting really got my attention. Apple's held exploratory discussions with Intel and Samsung about producing main processors for its devices in the US. That's as a secondary option beyond Taiwan semiconductor manufacturing.
That's pretty interesting. That's a pretty big change here. I'm looking at Intel stocks up uh uh another 13% today.
52- week high. I'm going to say an all-time high. And I'm old enough to remember when the last time it hit an all-time high.
my boy Frank Yiri who's a chairman of boy board Intel, one of my Solomon brothers running buddies. He just announced he's stepping down from the chairmanship. So, a good day for my boy Frank.
So, good for him going out on a high note there. Uh Caroline Hi joins us here, BTE co-anchor along with some dude named Ed Ledllo. Um this Apple news, it seems kind of interesting, Caroline, because I mean Taiwan Semiconductor is such a you know huge supplier for all of the the technology space.
What's Apple doing here?
It's almost going back to its partners of old. Remember, Apple didn't always design its own chips. It used to rely upon Intel and Samsung. And Samsung it still depends upon a lot for other parts of the iPhone. Remember the screens, for example. But this is about the dominance of Taiwan. TSMC obviously has most of its manufacturing out of Taiwan. About 90% of all chips in the world are made in Taiwan.
From the episode’s captions: roughly the first two minutes, lightly cleaned. Keep watching on YouTube →
Topics
- apple processor supply chain
- chip maker alternatives
- media mergers and earnings
- coinbase layoffs
- paypal cost cuts
Companies and tickers mentioned
- AAPL
- INTC
- TSM
- PARA
- COIN
- PYPL
- Apple
- Intel
- Samsung Electronics
- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co
- Paramount Skydance
- Warner Bros. Discovery
- Coinbase Global
- PayPal Holdings
Watch the episode
Summary, takeaways and quote selection by Octagon. Quotes are short excerpts; the full conversation is in the episode.
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