Apple once again rumored to partner with Intel for chip manufacturing

Apple Explores Intel Partnership for Chip Manufacturing, Signaling Supply Chain Diversification

Rumors suggesting a strategic partnership between Apple and Intel for semiconductor manufacturing continue to gain traction. This potential collaboration underscores Apple's ongoing efforts to diversify its global supply chain, lessening its reliance on a single dominant foundry like TSMC and bolstering its manufacturing resilience. Such a move would be significant for both tech giants, impacting the future landscape of chip production.

The latest corroboration comes from a research note by industry analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities. Pu's insights reiterate earlier whispers, predicting that Intel's Foundry Services could begin fabricating Apple's advanced chips. Specifically, he anticipates Intel leveraging its upcoming 14A process technology, which is projected to be fully ready for mass production by 2028.

Should this partnership materialize, Intel is expected to take on the production of a portion of Apple's future A21 and A22 series processors, destined for iPhones. It's crucial to note that, much like TSMC, Intel would serve purely as a contract manufacturer, fabricating chips based on Apple's proprietary designs rather than contributing to their architectural development. Despite this potential new alliance, TSMC is widely anticipated to retain its position as Apple's primary and most extensive chip supplier.

Beyond iPhone processors, the scope of this partnership could extend further. Respected industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Intel might also secure contracts to produce certain chips for select Mac and iPad models. Kuo projects an even earlier timeline for these particular components, with Intel potentially manufacturing lower-end M-series chips for Apple's computing devices as soon as mid-2027.

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