Apple might turn to Intel for its upcoming M-series chips, per report

Apple currently partners exclusively with TSMC for production of its M-series chips, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that may change soon, with Intel being brought in as an important new supplier.

Intel may start producing Apple’s M-series chips in 2027

Apple has a strong partnership with Taiwan-based TSMC for production of its various Apple silicon chips, including those that power the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

But per analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple might be looking to diversify by adding Intel as a new partner starting in 2027.

Per a new post on X:

Intel expected to begin shipping Apple’s lowest-end M processor as early as 2027 […]

Apple previously signed an NDA with Intel and obtained the advanced-node 18AP PDK 0.9.1GA. The key simulation and research projects (such as PPA) are tracking in line with expectations, and Apple is now waiting for Intel to release PDK 1.0/1.1, currently scheduled for 1Q26. Apple’s plan is for Intel to begin shipping its lowest-end M processor, utilizing the 18AP advanced node, as early as 2Q–3Q27, but the actual timeline remains contingent on development progress following the receipt of PDK 1.0/1.1.

By “lowest-end M processor,” Kuo is referencing the standard M-class chip, meaning the M5 but not the M5 Pro, M5 Max, or M5 Ultra.

Per Kuo, TSMC would continue to be Apple’s partner for those higher-end chips, and presumably the much higher volume iPhone-class chips such as A19 and A19 Pro.

But it sounds like starting with perhaps the M7 chip, Intel could come on board as a new partner.

Kuo sees this as a good move for Apple for two reasons:

1. It would show the Trump administration that Apple supports its ‘Made in USA’ policy
2. Diversification: “Apple, while clearly expected to remain highly dependent on TSMC’s advanced nodes for the foreseeable future, still needs to secure a second source to meet supply-chain management requirements”

What do you think of Apple potentially partnering with Intel to produce M-series chips? Let us know in the comments.

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