Apple can resume partnership with Intel for manufacturing chips for Macs and iPads

Apple not to completely eliminate your relationship with Intel. And even after revealing that it will abandon the support to the Intel Macs from MacOS 27, in the fall of 2026. The change is due to the successful launch of company processors, but that does not mean divorce.

At least that’s what Jeff PU, GFKH analyst believes. In a note from BGR, Apple would be eyeing the long -awaited Intel 14A manufacturing process, as it can be used to make some M chips in 2028.

This assuming Intel does not cancel the project. The company is undergoing a large layoff process and the chip manufacturing business is threatened. Even lithography at the risk of being canceled.

Related News:

Current situation

TSMC is the only manufacturer of Apple’s M chips. And the company uses the process of manufacturing 3 Nm of second generation on iPhone 16 and Macs M4 chips.

The expectation for this year is that Apple use a third generation process, before 2 nm more advanced technology, scheduled for 2026. Although the company has already signed a partnership with TSMC to gain access to the first chips from 1.4 nm by 2028, It seems that the company can resort to Intel to manufacture some of them.

According to Jeff PU, the Intel 14A process must incorporate second generation Ribbonfet and PowerDirect, “marking a technological evolution built on the base of the Powervia introduced into the 18th of Intel.”

In order to correct his position with AI, he aims at AI and Edge applications. And Intel has provided initial versions of PDK 14A to important customers. The result was that several showed interest in producing test chips.

So Jeff Po risks “We foresee that the GPU for Nvidia games (low cost version) and Apple’s M series will emerge as Intel 14a adopters.”

Expectations for the 14th

Compared to 18th, 14A should achieve a 15 to 20% performance gain, a 30% improvement in transistor density and a 25% reduction in energy consumption.

And mass production should start in 2028, If it is not canceled.

If Apple hires Intel to manufacture its future M chips in the Series, it can cheapen production as TSMC would not be the only company responsible for making the best Apple chips. Competition can also make processors even better, since both manufacturers would fight to get the best technologies.

Source: BGR.