According to a recent research note from analyst Jeff Pu at GF Securities — obtained by MacRumors — Intel is now anticipated to secure a supply agreement with Apple for certain non-Pro iPhone chips as early as 2028. This would build on existing expectations that Intel will already provide chips for some Mac and iPad models in the coming years, potentially deepening the two companies’ collaboration.
Joe Rossignol for MacRumors:
The non-pro iPhone chips would be manufactured with Intel’s future 14A process, according to Pu.
The research note did not provide any other details about these potential plans, but based on the stated timeframe, Intel could start supplying Apple with the A22 chip for devices like the “iPhone 20” and “iPhone 20e” in around three years from now.
Apple would continue to design iPhone chips, and Intel would start to handle a smaller percentage of manufacturing alongside Apple’s primary chipmaker TSMC.
Last month, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said he expects Intel to begin shipping Apple’s lowest-end M-series chip for select Mac and iPad models as early as mid-2027. For this, Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel’s 18A process, which is the “earliest available sub-2nm advanced node manufactured in North America.”
MacDailyNews Take: Again, this would be a win-win for Apple as it’d foster American manufacturing while creating a second supplier of low-end chips made stamped via a less advanced process.
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No tariffs on US chips.
Every time the WIP crosses national borders, what do you call those fees your admin charges? You know chip fabs aren’t entirely self-supporting, right? Complex products require raw materials, tools, and processes from around the globe. Try as your isolationist leaders may, that’s not going to change. It’s merely going to cost US consumers more.
Intel becomes Apple’s bitch.
I love it. Haha