Intel Reportedly Testing Chip Production for iPhone, Mac, and iPad

Intel has reportedly “kicked off” small-scale chip production testing for certain iPhone, Mac and iPad models. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects production to ramp up in 2027 and 2028.

Intel has been tapped to produce chipsets for lower-end iPhone, iPad, and Mac models, according to Kuo. This follows a long-running, exclusive partnership with TSMC. After nearly a decade of leveraging the supplier for chip fabrication, Intel has now been brought into the fold.

Kuo doesn’t go so far as to mention whether Intel will manufacture the A-series or M-series chips. However, the processors will be made using Intel’s 18A process. Apple is also reportedly evaluating other advanced-node technologies under Intel.

For the past month, Apple has been reeling with pressures throughout its supply chain. As a result, Apple has reportedly held “exploratory” discussions with Intel and Samsung to manufacture chips for its devices in the US. Brokering a deal with Intel, Apple now has two full-fledged suppliers it can use to lower costs and increase supply. As a result of the deal, Apple shares climbed 1.56 percent while Intel’s shares increased nearly 18 percent.

Although Intel is being brought on as a partner, Kuo claims that TSMC will remain the primary supplier of Apple chips. The analyst states that 90 percent of Apple’s processor supply will still be handled by TSMC. However, as the Trump administration continues to seek more US manufacturing, Apple is likely to benefit from its newfound partnership with Intel.

Apple and Intel went their separate ways in 2020 when Intel and its x86 architecture were dropped in exchange for the use of Apple’s M-series chips. A renewed partnership between the two companies has been expected for quite some time now. Earlier this year, GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu predicted that Apple would begin working with Intel once more to produce chips for future iPhones.