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Apple is reportedly exploring a deeper relationship with Intel to manufacture some of its future chips, a move that could reshape the iPhone and Mac supply chain while keeping TSMC at the center of chip production.
Why Apple is talking to Intel
The chatter began in early December and resurfaced after a new research note from GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu. According to Pu, Apple is looking to diversify its foundry partners to reduce sole dependence on TSMC. Imagine spreading risk across multiple fabs — that helps with capacity constraints, geopolitical uncertainty, and long-term resilience.
What Intel would actually do
Pu predicts Intel would fabricate a portion of Apple’s A21 and A22 chips using Intel’s forthcoming 14A process, which Intel aims to have ready for mass production in 2028. Important detail: Intel would act as a fabricator only, not a designer. Apple would continue to own chip design while Intel handles the manufacturing.
And the Macs and iPads?
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo adds that Intel could also be tapped to make lower-end M series chips, with production possibly starting as early as mid-2027. That suggests Intel’s role could extend beyond iPhone silicon into entry-level Mac and iPad SKUs.
Why this matters for Apple, Intel, and TSMC
- Supply chain diversification: Splitting production across multiple foundries reduces single-point risk.
- Capacity and timing: TSMC remains Apple’s primary partner, but demand surges or node transitions could make supplemental capacity attractive.
- Competitive dynamics: If Intel proves it can meet Apple’s quality and yield standards, it becomes a stronger contender in high-end foundry work.
- Design control stays with Apple: Outsourcing fabrication doesn't change Apple’s design leadership or IP ownership.
For now, these are still reports and predictions rather than confirmed contracts. But the recurring names — Jeff Pu at GF Securities and Ming-Chi Kuo — make this one of the more persistent supply-chain rumors circulating in 2026. Whether Intel can hit its 14A mass-production timetable and match TSMC on yields will be critical if Apple decides to follow through.
Source: gsmarena
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