Highlights
- Apple may partner with Intel for future iPhone chips starting in 2028 using Intel’s 14A process.
- Apple to continue to design the chips and TSMC remains the main supplier.
- Intel could also produce low-end M-series chips for Macs and iPads by 2027 with its 18A process.
(Photo by Luan Gjokaj on Unsplash)
Apple is once again rumoured to be considering a renewed partnership with Intel for chip production, although the processors themselves would still be designed by Apple. Instead of chip design, Intel’s role would reportedly be limited to manufacturing.
According to a research note by GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu, as reported in a recent MacRumors report, Intel is expected to start supplying certain Apple chips using its upcoming 14A manufacturing process. This process is said to be on track for mass production in 2028.
Pu had previously stated that Intel could secure a chip supply agreement with Apple for some non-Pro iPhone models beginning in 2028. If this timeline holds, Intel may manufacture a portion of future A21 or A22 chips for iPhones. However, TSMC is still expected to remain Apple’s main chipmaking partner.
The report suggests that Intel would not be involved in the design of iPhone chips. Its role would be restricted to fabrication, marking a clear departure from the Intel Mac era, when Apple relied on Intel-designed x86 processors. Apple started moving away from Intel processors in its Mac lineup in 2020.
Intel has worked with Apple before in other areas as well, having supplied cellular modems for select iPhone models ranging from the iPhone 7 to the iPhone 11.
Beyond iPhones, Apple’s renewed ties with Intel could also extend to Mac and iPad chips. Last year, Tianfeng Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Intel might begin shipping Apple’s lowest-end M-series chip for certain Mac and iPad models as early as mid-2027. For those chips, Apple is reportedly planning to use Intel’s 18A process. Kuo did not reference iPhone chips in that prediction.
A partnership with Intel could help Apple diversify its supply chain at a crucial time. Nvidia has reportedly overtaken Apple as TSMC’s largest customer, increasing competition for chip manufacturing capacity, particularly for AI servers and consumer devices. At the same time, working with Intel could support Apple’s efforts to expand U.S. manufacturing, aligning with the Trump administration’s push to boost domestic production.
FAQs
Q1. Is Intel designing future iPhone chips?
Answer. No, Apple will continue to design its own processors. Intel’s role would be limited to manufacturing them.
Q2. When could Intel start making chips for iPhones?
Answer. According to analyst Jeff Pu, Intel may begin supplying chips for some non-Pro iPhone models in 2028 using its 14A process.
Q3. Will Apple still rely on TSMC?
Answer. Yes, TSMC remains Apple’s primary chipmaking partner, with Intel expected to handle only a portion of future production to diversify Apple’s supply chain.