Apple and Intel are rumored to be heading toward a big partnership, but not the one you remember. Apple moved away from the chip maker years ago to design its own ARM SoCs for Mac devices—with great results. Now, Apple and Intel may reunite, with the latter acting as a key manufacturer for future Apple Silicon, potentially including some iPhone chips by 2028.
This new collaboration would not involve Intel designing the processor. Instead, Intel would become a foundry partner, similar to Apple’s current primary chipmaker, TSMC. Apple would continue to design its powerful A-series processors, while Intel would take on the complex job of fabrication.
Intel may become a key manufacturer for future Apple’s iPhone chips
According to reliable analyst Jeff Pu, this partnership will begin modestly. More specifically, Intel could first manufacture Apple’s lowest-end M-series chips for select Mac and iPad models as early as mid-2027. This work would use Intel’s advanced 18A process. The initial assignment appears to be a trial run, allowing Intel to provide its manufacturing consistency and yield reliability before Apple entrusts it with the higher-stakes, high-volume production of the iPhone.
Should that test succeed, the deal would expand (via MacRumors). By 2028, Intel could even manufacture a portion of the non-Pro iPhone chips—such as the rumored A22 processor—using its forthcoming 14A fabrication process.
Strengthening supply chain security
The motivation behind Apple’s move seems strategic. The Cupertino giant is focusing on risk mitigation and supply chain diversification. The US tech giant currently relies heavily on a single manufacturing partner based in East Asia. This vulnerability became evident during global supply chain disruptions.
By adding Intel as a manufacturer, Apple drastically increases its resilience. A large percentage of Intel’s advanced capacity sits in the United States, allowing Apple to diversify its manufacturing footprint. This move aligns with the US efforts to promote domestic chip production. It will help reduce reliance on overseas facilities and provide a crucial buffer against geopolitical tensions or regional lockdowns.
For Intel, securing Apple as a client would be a massive coup. It would validate the company’s ambitious plan to regain technological leadership in the foundry business and restore prestige by proving that its next-generation 18A and 14A nodes can compete with the industry’s best.
If successful, this potential deal could redefine the relationship between two tech giants. In turn, the move could strengthen the global supply chain for Apple’s most critical device.
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