Core Insights - A new wave of speculation has emerged regarding Intel's foundry ambitions, particularly in relation to Microsoft's plans to manufacture its next-generation Maia AI chip [1] Group 1 - Intel's foundry ambitions are gaining renewed interest due to recent reports [1] - Microsoft is reportedly preparing to manufacture its next-generation Maia AI chip using Intel's foundry services [1]

Core Insights - Microsoft is reportedly committed to using Intel Foundry for its next-generation AI chip, indicating a significant partnership between the two companies [2][3][6] - The demand for AI accelerators is surging, and Intel Foundry is positioned to benefit from this trend due to limited advanced manufacturing capacity at TSMC [2][5] Company Developments - Intel Foundry has faced challenges in gaining customer trust due to a history of manufacturing delays and lack of a proven track record [1] - Microsoft is heavily investing in AI data centers, forecasting capital spending to reach $30 billion in Q1 of fiscal 2026 [4] - The first version of Microsoft's Maia AI chip was produced using TSMC's 5nm process, but future iterations may leverage Intel's 18A process for better energy efficiency [3][4] Industry Trends - The AI chip manufacturing capacity is expected to be outstripped by demand, with TSMC ramping up its 2nm production plans in response to the AI boom [5] - If the partnership between Microsoft and Intel is confirmed, it could signal a shift in the competitive landscape, giving Intel a chance to challenge TSMC's dominance in the foundry market [6]