May 3, 2011 06:36 GMT  ·  By

It appears that Intel's will to extend the use of its processors to as many parts of the IT industry as possible has now guided it to the waters navigated by Apple and its SoC makers.

Apple, as people likely know, is one of the biggest IT companies in the US, with a veritable following of sorts.

It deals in everything from mobile devices (smartphones, tablets etc.) to computers (Mac systems) and even laptops (MacBook).

Many of these machines employ custom SoC (system-on-chip), the sort of platforms that Samsung has been making for Apple for years.

More recently, Apple has been using Samsung's resources to make some chips of its own, and it looks like Intel might be aiming to secure some orders as well.

The Santa Clara, California-based company is already making x86 units for the Mac lines and may be among those towards which Apple may turn in its apparent desire to reduce its dependency on Samsung.

Meanwhile, Apple will also place orders with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).

“Based on a number of inputs, we believe Intel is also vying for Apple's foundry business. 'It makes strategic sense for both companies,” reportedly said Gus Richard, an analyst with Piper Jaffray & Co.

“The combination of Apple's growing demand and market share in smart phones and tablets gives Intel a position in these markets and drives the logic volume Intel needs to stay ahead in manufacturing.”

“Intel's manufacturing lead gives Apple an additional competitive advantage in these markets and distances it from Asian competitors that are knocking off its products. Furthermore, it would also serve to weaken Samsung who is a significant competitive threat to both companies. While it will take a few years for Apple to shift foundry suppliers, we believe Apple is shifting away from Samsung,” he added.