Apple May Revisit Intel Partnership to Reduce Chip Supply Dependence
Speculation has intensified that Apple may once again move towards a partnership with Intel in an effort to reduce its reliance on a single chip supplier. The rumours first surfaced in early December, when it was reported that the Cupertino-based tech giant had begun discussions with Intel to lessen its complete dependence on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). The report was carried by GSMArena.
The speculation has now been echoed in a research note by GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu. According to his forecast, Intel could begin manufacturing Apple chips using its future 14A process, which is expected to be ready for mass production by 2028. As a result, some chips from Apple’s A21 and A22 series could be produced at Intel’s fabrication facilities.
However, analysts believe that TSMC will continue to remain Apple’s primary chip supplier, as it has been so far. Like TSMC, Intel is expected to act solely as a manufacturing partner, without any involvement in chip design.
Beyond iPhone chips, Intel may also manufacture chips for certain Mac and iPad models, according to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He suggested that from mid-2027, some lower-power variants of Apple’s M-series chips could be produced at Intel’s factories.
DBTech/BMT/OR
