Intel and Apple Renew Relationship

Intel will ship Apple's lowest-end M-series chips in 2027. Photo: Bloomberg .

In a post on X, Ming Chi-Kuo, a well-known Apple analyst for the past decade, claims that Intel has received Apple’s approval to ship its lowest-end M-series chips, which could happen as early as 2027.

This rumor has been circulating in the market for a long time, but the level of clarity has been very low. “However, according to my latest industry surveys, the certainty that Intel will become an advanced process supplier to Apple has recently increased significantly,” Ming wrote.

He said that Apple had previously signed an NDA with Intel regarding the manufacturer's 18AP Process Design Kit (PDK) version 0.9.1GA. Key simulation and research items are on track, and Apple is currently waiting for Intel to release PDK 1.0/1.1, expected in Q1 2026.

Apple plans to have Intel start shipping the lowest-end M chip to use the advanced 18AP process as early as Q2-Q3 2027. However, the actual timeline still depends on the development progress after receiving PDK 1.0/1.1.

According to Gadget Hacks , this partnership could change the entire chip manufacturing industry in the US. “Intel’s 18A-P process is a technological leap, optimized for the voltage and power levels Apple requires,” the site wrote. As a result, the new iPhone lines will have faster chips that can deliver desktop-like performance in increasingly thin and light designs.

Currently, TSMC supplies the majority of Apple's M chips, leading to a high risk of dependency. Ming said Apple needs a second supplier to increase the resilience of the supply chain.

He predicts annual shipments of 15 million to 20 million units in 2026 and 2027. This scale serves as an ideal testing ground, allowing Intel to deliver enough production to demonstrate its capabilities without overloading Apple's manufacturing capacity or disrupting its main line.

Additionally, recent rumors of a more affordable MacBook model that could appear in 2026 suggest that Intel will be in charge of the low-end segment in the early stages, while TSMC remains the main supplier, continuing to produce high-performance chips, which helps reduce testing risks.

For Apple, the company can promote its domestic manufacturing capabilities while reducing its dependence on foreign supply chains. Ming stressed that the partnership aligns with US industrial policy priorities, including “Made in USA” programs, which provide tax incentives, regulatory advantages, and strategic positioning.

Conversely, if Intel can successfully produce its notoriously demanding chip designs, it will send a positive signal to the industry about its foundry capabilities. Ming said the win suggests Intel’s toughest times may be over, opening the door to new Apple orders and high-end customers in the future.

According to Gadget Hacks , a fundamental restructuring of the global semiconductor industry is underway, prioritizing domestic production capacity for both economic and security reasons. The relationship between the two non-tech giants represents a strategic response to a changing world, the beginning of a larger transformation.

Source: https://znews.vn/intel-va-apple-noi-lai-quan-he-post1606815.html