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Apple may be preparing a surprising tie-up: the tech giant is reportedly weighing Intel as the manufacturer for its baseline M7 processor. If true, this decision would mark a major shift in Apple’s chip supply chain and give Intel a high-profile validation for its foundry push.
What the rumor says — and who reported it
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims Apple is considering having the regular M7 — the version likely destined for future MacBook Air models, iPads and possibly a lower-cost Vision Pro — built on Intel’s 18A node. Intel would brand the iteration made for Apple as “18AP.” Production isn’t expected to start until 2027, so this is still early-stage planning rather than a done deal.
Why Apple would split manufacturing
Apple appears to be taking a pragmatic approach to capacity and risk. By assigning the base M7 to Intel, Apple could free up TSMC to focus on higher-margin chips like the M7 Pro and M7 Max — which remain slated for TSMC’s next-gen N2P or upgraded A18 process. The result: Apple spreads volume production while keeping its most demanding silicon with the partner it trusts most.
Benefits for Apple
- More manufacturing headroom for millions of lower-tier devices.
- Stronger supply resiliency with a second foundry partner.
- Potential pricing or capacity advantages over time.
What Intel gains
For Intel, landing the base M7 would be a trophy client and a signal that its foundry comeback is taking hold. After years of missed node targets and client losses, having Apple as a customer could attract other chipmakers looking to diversify away from TSMC.
Technical and market caveats
The M7 Pro and M7 Max are still expected to remain with TSMC, keeping Apple’s flagship performance silicon tied to its longtime manufacturing partner. Meanwhile, observers will get a clearer picture of Intel’s 18A performance once Panther Lake laptops begin shipping. The rumor that Apple would entrust real products to Intel’s foundry work is noteworthy given the fraught history between the two companies.
Whether this plan comes to fruition will depend on Intel hitting quality, yield and timeline targets — and on Apple’s broader supply strategy. But if it happens, it could reshape competitive dynamics in advanced chip manufacturing.
Source: gizmochina
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