Intel may manufacture Apple M-Series chips from 2027

Rumors are circulating and gaining more and more traction: Intel may manufacture Apple M-Series chips from 2027 with 18A process, insiders say.

A new report from renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicates that Apple has taken an important step towards using Intel’s manufacturing technology in its future chips.

The companies would have signed a agreement of confidentiality (which may not be that confidential, if confirmed) and the Apple would already have access to Intel Process 18A Design Manuals.

The internal workings of simulation at Apple would be progressing as expected. With this, the company awaits the definitive versions of the development package, scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

Anyway, before we start with the more detailed explanations, check out a summary of news shared by the analyst:

Timetable for Intel chips in Apple products

Contextualizing the information above, if this plan continues, Intel may begin shipping chips in production volume in second or third quarter of 2027.

If confirmed, this will be the first time that to Intel manufactures a component for the Apple since the previous partnership was terminated, in end of 2023.

The component under evaluation is the M series entry-level chipused in models such as the MacBook Air e o iPad Pro. It is estimated that these two lines represented approximately 20 million units sold in 2025.

Apple Supplier Diversification Strategy

According to Ming-Chi Kuothe motivations of Apple involve the search for greater redundancy in your supply chain. The company would continue dependent on TSMC for its most advanced products, such as iPhone and the chips M of high performance.

However, when transferring production from your Simpler SoC for a second foundry, the Apple reduces your exposure to possible problems with a single supplier. This strategy protects its core product lines, which will continue based on TSMC’s latest technology.

The analyst also mentions that this decision aligns with U.S. government efforts to encourage domestic production of semiconductors.

The factories of Intel no Arizona are considered key players in this policy and would be natural candidates to produce the chips for Apple.

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Ming-Chi Kuo projects that annual sales of this product category should be between 15 and 20 million units in 2026 and 2027.

This volume is relevant for a new foundry customer, but it is not enough to change the TSMC’s leadership position in the advanced manufacturing market in the near term.

Apple’s involvement is seen as a positive sign for the future of Intel’s foundry division. THE process 18A would have reached a level of maturity that allows external customers to initiate in-depth technical assessments.

The main challengeno entanto, resides no compliance with deadlines. A Apple will only move the project forward after receiving the complete development package and after Intel demonstrate consistent results in performance and production yield.

To conclude, we emphasize that the first half of 2026 is identified as a critical period for the delivery of these technical validations.

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Source: Tom’s Hardware