Reports: Apple and Intel may rekindle chip supply ties

Five years after moving away from Intel in favour of its custom-designed chips, Apple is reportedly exploring a renewed chip-supply partnership with the former supplier.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, industry checks suggest that Apple is considering tapping Intel to produce its lowest-end M chips as early as Q2 2027. If this pans out well, Intel could be responsible for fabricating the M6 or M7 chips for the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, while TSMC would continue supplying the higher-end M-series chips.

Analyst Jeff Pu added further weight to the report, claiming in a recent investor note that the partnership may eventually extend to the iPhone. Under this scenario, Intel could supply select non-Pro A-series chips from 2028 for the iPhone 20 and iPhone 20E.

In both cases, Intel’s role is expected to be limited strictly to fabrication. Apple will continue to design all of its chips in-house and maintain full control over the architecture and performance targets. The potential arrangement stands to benefit both companies:

• It aligns Apple with US President Trump’s “Made in USA” policy.
• Apple will secure a second chip supplier to improve its supply chain resilience.
• Intel will get a high-profile, tier-one customer, strengthening its foundry ambitions and long-term competitiveness.

Source: @mingchikuo via MacRumors (1) (2)