Is Apple teaming up with Intel again?

After phasing out Intel chips in computers starting in 2020, Apple and Intel may collaborate again to produce iPhone chips in the future.

Future iPhone chips may be manufactured by Intel. Photo: MacRumors .

According to analyst Jeff Pu from GF Securities, Intel plans to manufacture processor chips for Apple using the 14A process. The new process could enter mass production as early as 2028.

This isn't the first time information about Apple partnering with Intel has surfaced. However, under the new agreement, Intel will only be responsible for chip manufacturing, while Apple will handle the design and development phases.

Pu shared similar information in December 2025. At that time, he stated that Intel expected to reach an agreement to supply chips for some iPhone models (excluding the Pro) starting in 2028.

Based on the timeline above, Intel could supply a portion of the A21 and A22 processor chips, used in the iPhone 20 or iPhone 20e. TSMC will remain the primary manufacturing partner.

There are no signs that Intel will be involved in designing iPhone chips. According to MacRumors , this is different from the past, when Mac computers used x86 processors designed and manufactured by Intel.

Apple gradually phased out Intel chips in its computers starting in 2020. The company also announced that macOS 26 Tahoe was the last version to support x86-based Macs.

Intel also supplies network modems for some iPhone 7 through iPhone 11 models. However, the new partnership between Intel and Apple may extend beyond iPhones to iPads and Macs.

Last year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities predicted that Intel would offer low-end M-series chips for Macs and iPads as early as mid-2027.

The chips are expected to be manufactured using the 18A process. According to Kuo, this is "the earliest 2nm smaller manufacturing technology available in North America."

If Kuo's information is accurate, Intel could offer the M6 ​​or M7 chip, which will be used in future MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models.

Partnering with Intel could help Apple diversify its supply chain. Recently, Nvidia is believed to have surpassed Apple to become TSMC's largest customer amid fierce competition for chips in consumer devices and AI servers.

The relationship with Intel promises to help Apple increase production in the US, supporting the Donald Trump administration's efforts to boost domestic manufacturing.

Source: https://znews.vn/apple-lai-bat-tay-intel-post1622654.html