Speculation about Apple possibly returning to Intel is growing. After it was reported that Apple was considering using Intel chips for some of its low-cost MacBook models, a new report suggests that the iPhone could also be on the list of devices using Intel chips in the future.
Intel may produce chips for new generation iPhone
Intel is expected to sign a chip supply deal with Apple that could involve producing some of the processors for non-Pro iPhone models starting in 2028, according to GF Securities research published by analyst Jeff Pu.
The sources said that these processors could be manufactured on the 14A process – the latest technology that Intel will deploy in the coming years. If the roadmap goes according to plan, Intel will likely participate in the production of the A22 chip expected to be used on the “iPhone 20” and possibly the “iPhone 20e”.
However, Intel is said to only be in charge of manufacturing, not design. The development of chip architecture will still be handled by Apple itself, as it is doing with the A-series and M-series chips. In essence, Intel will act as an additional manufacturing partner alongside TSMC – Apple's traditional partner.
This is not the first time the rumor of cooperation has appeared.
The news that Apple is “back” with Intel is no longer too strange. Ming-Chi Kuo, one of the most reputable analysts, once predicted that Apple could order Intel to produce low-end M-series chips for some Mac and iPad models from 2027. Kuo said that Apple could take advantage of the 18A process – the first sub-2nm semiconductor technology produced in North America.
This is a far cry from the pre-2020 MacBook models that Apple used Intel x86 chips for, where Intel designed and manufactured the entire processor. Now, Apple designs its own ARM chips, with Intel—if it works with them—playing a manufacturing role.
For Apple, expanding its list of manufacturing partners is a beneficial move. Previously, Intel also provided network modems for iPhones from iPhone 7 to iPhone 11, so the two sides already have a foundation for cooperation.
Why the Intel–Apple rumors have merit
According to experts, the possibility of Apple bringing Intel into the chip supply chain is completely reasonable.
Over-reliance on TSMC carries risks, especially in a global semiconductor industry plagued by supply shortages and geopolitical uncertainty. Adding Intel helps Apple:
Diversify manufacturing risks; Reduce volume pressure on TSMC; Increase proactiveness in case of global supply chain fluctuations; Take advantage of Intel's new processes if they prove competitive enough.
However, the biggest question is whether the quality of chips produced by Intel is equivalent to TSMC or not. Apple certainly will not accept any difference that can affect performance, battery life or stability - which are the core elements of the iPhone.
It's too early to tell, but things are moving in the right direction.
There’s no indication yet that the Intel-made iPhone chips will be any different from the TSMC chips. It’s all speculation and speculation, and it’ll be at least three years before we see the results.
However, if Intel can achieve comparable quality and ensure consistent output, Apple's expanded partnership will benefit all parties: Apple gains more initiative, Intel gains an iconic customer, and users may not notice any change.
According to Phone Arena
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/nhip-song-so/apple-co-the-de-intel-san-xuat-chip-cho-iphone-tu-nam-2028-186658.html
Comment (0)