Apple is once again rumored to be exploring a potential partnership with Intel for chip manufacturing, as the company looks to further diversify its supply chain and reduce overreliance on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).
While TSMC is expected to remain Apple’s primary chip supplier, new reports suggest Intel could soon play a supporting role in producing future Apple silicon.
According to a recent research note from GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu, Intel is expected to begin manufacturing Apple chips using its upcoming 14A process technology.
This advanced process node is projected to enter mass production in 2028, aligning with Apple’s long-term silicon roadmap. If the partnership materializes, Intel could fabricate a portion of Apple’s A21 and A22 chips, which are likely to power future generations of iPhones.
The report emphasizes that Intel’s role would be limited strictly to chip fabrication. Similar to Apple’s current arrangement with TSMC, Intel would not be involved in chip design. Apple would continue to design its processors in-house, maintaining full control over performance, efficiency, and integration across its devices.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also weighed in on the matter, suggesting that Intel’s collaboration with Apple could extend beyond iPhone chips. Kuo predicts that Intel may begin manufacturing lower-end M-series chips for select Mac and iPad models as early as mid-2027. These chips would likely be used in entry-level devices, while TSMC continues producing Apple’s most advanced processors.
Apple’s interest in Intel comes at a time when the company is increasingly focused on supply chain resilience. Geopolitical tensions, capacity constraints, and growing global demand for advanced semiconductors have made supplier diversification a strategic priority for major tech firms.
By potentially adding Intel as a secondary manufacturing partner, Apple could gain greater flexibility and reduce potential risks associated with depending on a single foundry.
While neither Apple nor Intel has officially confirmed the partnership, the recurring rumors and analyst reports suggest serious discussions may be underway. If finalized, the collaboration would mark a significant shift in Apple’s chip manufacturing strategy and a major milestone for Intel as it works to reestablish itself as a leading global chip foundry.