alt Hacker NewsApple could afford Intel, and could get past antitrust by arguing military security. Who's mobile phone can politicians trust?
Then again, Microsoft should have bought Intel: MS has roughly $102 billion in cash (+ short-term investments). Intel’s market value is approximately $176 billion. Considering Azure, Microsoft has heaps of incentive to buy Intel.
I would guess Google are more likely to greenfield develop their own foundry rather than try and buy Intel.
> and could get past antitrust by arguing military security
Antitrust would certainly block Apple specifically for this reason. Apple is not a credible supplier of DoD hardware and acquiring IFS would complicate their status as a Trusted Foundry.
If Apple had more time to reform their image and invest in MIL-STD processes then maybe it would work. As-is, I'd be shocked if the US let Intel become the victim of a hostile takeover. Even for a company as important as Apple.