Apple may be preparing a major shift in its chip supply chain, with the latest analyst reports indicating Intel could start producing both Mac and iPhone processors before 2010 ends.
Is Intel preparing to join Apple’s M-series supply chain?
Last week, prominent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Intel is likely to start manufacturing Apple’s M-series chips in 2027, marking the company’s first involvement in Apple silicon production. A second report corroborated this claim, adding that Intel’s role could expand further.
According to Analyst Jeff Pugh9to5Mac reported that Apple plans to ask Intel to develop a “smartphone SoC for non-professional users” starting in 2028. If Apple maintains its usual product pace, the 2027 M-series chipset (potentially the M7) will be the first Intel-made Mac or iPad processor.
A series production may follow iPhone
Pu’s memo, shared with 9to5Mac, suggests that Apple could expand the partnership to include the base A-series processors used in iPhones. Currently, Apple relies almost entirely on Taiwan’s TSMC. manufacture chips across the entire product range.
By 2028, Intel could produce standard A-series chips for entry-level iPhones and corresponding “e” versions. A comparable model, the A19 chip, is currently in the iPhone 17 and is expected to be in the next iPhone 17e as well. The higher-end model relies on the A19 Pro and may continue to be under the purview of TSMC.
Apple is still in charge of chip design
Despite the expected change in manufacturing partners, Apple may continue to design its own chips. This change only adds Intel as a second major manufacturing partner. TSMC, Apple’s supply resiliency and flexibility could increase.
Anything made by Intel iPhone chip Although still years away, new reports point to a major restructuring of Apple’s long-standing dependence on TSMC, a notable win for Intel as it looks to expand its foundry business.
