Citing a report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, news has emerged about a potential shift in Apple’s manufacturing strategy. The company is reportedly considering bringing Intel on board as a new partner for the production of its in-house chips. This decision is expected to impact the manufacturing of chips for computers and tablets, and in the future, potentially for smartphones as well.
According to analytical data, Intel could begin manufacturing base M-series chips for Mac and iPad devices as early as 2027. This information has also been corroborated by another analyst, Jeff Pu, who also suggests an expansion of collaboration. Specifically, from 2028 onwards, Intel is reportedly expected to be responsible for the production of so-called “non-Pro” chips for iPhone smartphones.
Currently, Apple relies almost entirely on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for the mass production of chips for its devices. If the company maintains its usual update schedule, the first M-series chip manufactured by Intel could be the M7. Regarding mobile devices, the base A19 chip is expected to be exclusively used in the iPhone 17 and possibly in the future iPhone 17e model. More powerful models in the iPhone lineup will continue to use an enhanced version of the A19 Pro chip, the production of which, according to available data, will remain with TSMC.
It is important to emphasize that Apple intends to continue independently handling the development and design of all its chips, including those that will be manufactured by Intel. Therefore, this pertains solely to the transfer of manufacturing operations, not the delegation of development functions. Analysts predict that in 2028, it will be the base and more affordable iPhone models, such as the iPhone 17e, that could become the first Apple devices equipped with processors manufactured by the American company Intel.
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