YouTube channel Moore's Law is Dead claims that there are "whispers" of a potential purchase by Apple. It also claimed that Samsung is interested in acquiring or merging with the chip manufacturer.

Apple and Samsung aren't the only major tech companies that have considered buying Intel. In September, it was reported that Qualcomm had reached out to Intel about a potential takeover.

We would have thought that Samsung is closer than Apple or Qualcomm to any deal, whether an out-and-out purchase or a merger.

Like Intel, Samsung has struggled with its own in-house Exynos chip and may not introduce a new version this year due to poor yields. It's possible a merger or acquisition would give Samsung more foundries and expertise to improve the Exynos line.

For starters, as the report surmises, Apple might be looking to pick up Intel to block Qualcomm from becoming an even bigger force in their market.

Apple has steadily been pulling more parts manufacturing in-house outside of blocking competitors. As mentioned, TSMC makes Apple's chips right now, but we can see that Apple wants to be less reliant on them.

Acquiring Intel gives Apple a stronger foothold in producing semiconductors and gives Apple access to Intel's myriad patents. It would change how Apple works with its M-line of chips for iPads and Macs.