In a potential strategic shift for its global supply chain, technology giant Apple is reportedly considering a major partnership with Intel for the manufacturing of its future processors. According to fresh analyst reports, Intel could begin fabricating Apple's in-house designed M-series and A-series chips as early as 2027.
Intel's Entry into Apple Silicon Production
Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently indicated that Intel is likely to start manufacturing Apple's M-series chips in 2027. This would mark the first time Intel participates in the production of Apple Silicon, the custom processors that power Macs and iPads. A subsequent report from analyst Jeff Pu, shared with 9to5Mac, has reinforced this claim, suggesting Intel's role could expand significantly.
If Apple maintains its typical product release schedule, the first Intel-fabricated processor could be the M7 chipset slated for 2027. This chip would be destined for future Mac computers and iPad models, introducing a second key production partner alongside Taiwan's TSMC, upon which Apple currently relies almost entirely.
Expansion to iPhone Processors by 2028
The partnership may not stop with computer chips. Analyst Jeff Pu's note suggests that by 2028, Intel could also be tasked with producing the standard A-series system-on-chip (SoC) for Apple's entry-level iPhones.
This would involve manufacturing the base model chip, which, following the current naming trend, could be the A21 processor powering the standard iPhone 18 and its more affordable 'e' variant expected that year. Importantly, higher-end Pro models are likely to continue using chips fabricated by TSMC, such as a prospective A21 Pro, maintaining a bifurcated supply strategy.
Design Control and Strategic Implications
Despite this potential change in manufacturing partners, Apple is expected to retain complete control over the architecture and design of its silicon. The move primarily represents a diversification of its fabrication footprint.
Bringing Intel on board would provide Apple with increased supply chain resilience and greater negotiating leverage. For Intel, securing Apple as a foundry client would be a monumental win for its Integrated Device Manufacturing (IDM) 2.0 strategy, which aims to become a major player in the contract chipmaking business and compete directly with TSMC and Samsung.
This reported shift, while still years away, points to a significant realignment in the semiconductor industry. It could reduce Apple's longstanding reliance on a single region for advanced chip production and catalyze a more competitive foundry landscape globally.
