It seems that the plan of Apple to use Intel to produce some of its chips has quickly come to pass. Supply chain exporter Ming-Chi Kuo now claims that Apple has begun testing systems-on-chip based on Intel’s 18A-P technology, following reports earlier this month that the two businesses were in talks. The plan is to develop “low-end/legacy iPhone, iPad, and Mac processors,” as stated in Kuo’s X article.
Naturally, until 2020, Intel was the sole supplier of Mac chips for Apple. . After that, the company began using its own M Silicon chips, which are mostly produced by Taiwan’s TSMC. It was claimed earlier this month that Apple wanted to diversify because it didn’t feel comfortable depending so much on TSMC for its chips.
Following the government’s acquisition of a 10% share in the chip manufacturer, it is said that the Trump administration has been attempting to persuade Apple executives to resume doing business with Intel.
According to reports, Intel will test the manufacturing of Apple processors in 2026. Manufacturing and deliveries are expected to begin in 2027, and output will then increase through 2028 and 2029.
The A18 Pro for low-end and older iPhones and Macs might be produced at Intel’s Oregon, Arizona, and Ohio factories using its brand-new 18A-P process, which is an improvement above the 18A utilized to make Panther Lake and other Intel processors. In terms of performance and transistor density, Intel 18A is comparable to TSMC’s N2 process.
According to Kuo, “even if Intel’s initial shipments go smoothly,” TSMC will continue to produce 90% of Apple’s chips. According to the company’s product mix, iPhone processors would account for almost 80% of Intel’s output. According to reports, Apple has also been assessing other cutting-edge node technologies of Intel aside from chips, such as 14A (1.4nm), for upcoming iPhone CPUs.
