In a surprising turn of events, Apple and Intel are reportedly preparing to reignite their partnership five years after the tech giant famously ended their processor collaboration. According to latest reports, Intel could begin manufacturing Apple's revolutionary M-series chips by 2027, marking a significant shift in Apple's semiconductor strategy.
The New Chip Manufacturing Partnership
Renowned supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed crucial details about this potential collaboration in a recent social media post. Intel could start production of Apple's lowest-end M-series processors using its advanced 18AP manufacturing technology as early as the second or third quarter of 2027. This timeline provides both companies ample opportunity to perfect the manufacturing process.
Unlike their previous arrangement where Intel designed x86-based processors for Mac computers, this new partnership would operate differently. Apple will maintain complete control over chip design while Intel focuses exclusively on manufacturing the ARM-based Apple Silicon processors. This division of responsibilities leverages both companies' core strengths effectively.
Production Scale and Device Integration
The scale of this potential partnership is substantial. Industry experts project production volumes between 15 to 20 million units annually for the Intel-manufactured Apple Silicon chips. These processors are expected to power upcoming versions of popular Apple devices including MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models.
Despite this new collaboration with Intel, Taiwan-based TSMC will continue to play a crucial role in Apple's supply chain. TSMC remains Apple's primary chip supplier and will continue manufacturing higher-end M-series variants along with processors for iPhone devices. This dual-supplier approach represents a strategic diversification for Apple.
Strategic Implications and Political Dimensions
This potential partnership carries significant strategic importance for both companies and aligns with broader geopolitical trends. For Apple, working with Intel helps demonstrate commitment to incorporating more US-based companies into its supply chain, potentially appeasing the Trump administration's 'Made in USA' initiatives.
The political dimension gained additional weight when the US government acquired approximately 10% of Intel in an August deal brokered by the Trump administration. This move positions Intel as critical to domestic semiconductor production capabilities, making an Apple-Intel partnership politically advantageous.
From a supply chain perspective, this collaboration addresses Apple's need to reduce dependence on Taiwan-based TSMC. While TSMC remains a reliable partner, having Intel as an alternative manufacturing source provides crucial backup options, particularly for entry-level processors used in mass-market devices.
Current Status and Future Outlook
The partnership appears to be progressing steadily through development phases. Apple has already signed a non-disclosure agreement with Intel and obtained preliminary design specifications. Key development milestones are tracking as expected, with Apple awaiting Intel's updated design kit scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
For Intel, securing Apple as a foundry client would validate its ongoing turnaround efforts and potentially attract other premium customers to its manufacturing services. For Apple, this represents calculated risk management wrapped in strategic political optics - keeping options open while maintaining technological leadership in the competitive semiconductor landscape.
The technology community will be watching closely as this potential partnership develops, particularly as the 2027 target date approaches and both companies navigate the complex process of bringing US-manufactured Apple Silicon to market.
