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Apple could restructure part of its chip manufacturing for iPhones, Macs, and iPads in the coming years. Reports from the analyst community paint a picture in which Intel will once again play a role in Apple's supply chain, this time only as a manufacturer and not as a developer. This potential move is intended to reduce risk in global production and lessen Apple's dependence on individual manufacturing partners. There is growing evidence that Intel could actively begin manufacturing Apple chips as early as 2027 or 2028.
Apple has relied on its own chip development for years and almost entirely on TSMC for manufacturing. However, the enormous demand for modern manufacturing capacity and the geopolitical situation mean that alternatives are becoming increasingly important. Analyst reports show how Apple intends to diversify its supply chain. Intel could benefit from this, as the company plans to launch advanced manufacturing processes like 18A and 14A in the coming years. These developments open up new options for Apple to distribute and secure the production of its own ARM-based chips.
Intel is expected to start manufacturing the first iPhone chips in 2028.
An analysis by investment firm GF Securities suggests that Intel could take over part of the manufacturing for Apple's non-Pro iPhone chips starting in 2028. Analyst Jeff Pu describes how Intel is expected to use its future 14A process to produce models like the A22 chip. Based on the current timeline, this chip would be suitable for devices such as a potential iPhone 20 and iPhone 20e.
The memo contains no in-depth technical details, but makes it clear that Intel is not involved in the development. Apple would continue to design the chip architecture, while Intel would solely act as an additional manufacturing partner.
Apple retains full control over the chip design.
The proposed plans do not signify a return to the earlier Intel era of Macs. Back then, Apple used processors developed by Intel itself, based on the x86 architecture. Today, Apple develops all iPhone, iPad, and Mac chips internally using ARM technology.
Intel would therefore only take over the production of a portion of the chips. TSMC would remain the primary manufacturer. Intel would merely be a supplementary partner, providing capacity and broadening Apple's supply network.
Initial collaborations in the Mac and iPad sector could start as early as 2027.
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects Intel to begin manufacturing an entry-level M-series chip as early as mid-2027. This chip is expected to be produced using the new 18A manufacturing process, which is considered one of the first sub-2nm nodes to be entirely manufactured in North America.
This step would be the preliminary phase for a later expansion to iPhone chips. If this collaboration succeeds, Apple could also outsource parts of its A-series production to Intel's factories starting in 2028.
Importance for the global supply chain
A production contract with Intel would have several advantages. The supply chain would become more resilient, as Apple would no longer be solely dependent on TSMC. At the same time, Apple would partially shift manufacturing to the US, which could reduce political and logistical risks.
Intel would also benefit. The company has been trying to strengthen its foundry division for years. A customer like Apple would be a massive prestige boost and proof of the competitiveness of its own manufacturing technology.
Looking back at previous collaborations
Intel already supplied cellular modems to Apple between the iPhone 7 and iPhone 11. This phase ended when Apple switched back to relying entirely on Qualcomm. Therefore, a new collaboration wouldn't be unprecedented, although this time it would be in a completely different area and under different technical conditions.
New division of roles in the production of Apple chips
Reports suggest that Apple will redistribute its chip production in the coming years. Intel could manufacture chips for Macs and iPads starting in 2027, and for iPhones from 2028. Apple would remain the developer of ARM chips, while Intel and TSMC would share production.
For Apple, this move would bring stability, flexibility, and a broader geographical distribution of manufacturing. For Intel, it would be an important milestone on the path back to technological relevance in the foundry market. Exactly what form the collaboration will take depends on how reliable and competitive Intel's new manufacturing processes actually prove to be. (Image: Shutterstock / PJ McDonnell)
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