Recent analyst reports from January 2026 suggest Apple is preparing for a major shift in its semiconductor strategy but not a return to Intel-powered Macs. Instead, Apple is reportedly considering Intel as a contract chip manufacturer, allowing Intel to fabricate Apple-designed Silicon chips alongside long-time partner TSMC.
According to industry analysts including Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu, Apple plans to continue designing its own A-series and M-series processors in-house. The difference lies in who manufactures them. Intel’s upcoming 18A (2nm-class) and 14A (1.4nm-class) fabrication nodes could be used to produce select Apple Silicon chips, particularly for entry-level devices.
Gradual Rollout Expected
The shift is expected to happen in phases. Reports suggest Intel could begin manufacturing base-model M-series chips potentially starting with the M7 for Macs and iPads as early as 2027. By 2028, Intel may also join the iPhone supply chain, producing a portion of non-Pro A-series chips such as the rumored A21 or A22 for standard iPhone models.
TSMC is expected to remain Apple’s primary partner for flagship and Pro-tier chips, ensuring peak performance and efficiency while Intel provides additional manufacturing capacity and supply chain diversification.
Why Apple Is Making This Move
There are three major reasons behind Apple’s rumored strategy shift. First, Nvidia’s dominance in AI hardware has reportedly made it TSMC’s largest customer, increasing competition for cutting-edge fabrication capacity. Apple wants a backup manufacturing partner to avoid supply constraints.
Second, geopolitical pressures and U.S. government initiatives to localize semiconductor production are encouraging Apple to source chips domestically. Intel’s U.S.-based fabs offer Apple a way to strengthen supply chain resilience while aligning with political and economic priorities.
Third, Intel’s manufacturing resurgence has made it competitive again. Reports indicate Intel’s 18A yields are approaching 60–70%, positioning the company as a legitimate alternative to TSMC for advanced chip fabrication.
How This Differs from the Old Intel Era
Unlike the 2006–2020 era when Apple relied on Intel-designed x86 processors, Apple will maintain full control over chip architecture, performance, and power efficiency. Intel’s role would strictly be manufacturing not design.
While Apple has reportedly signed NDAs and begun testing Intel’s process design kits, no large-scale production has been finalized. Still, if confirmed, this partnership could reshape the semiconductor landscape and mark one of Apple’s most strategic supply chain moves in years.
