Apple and Intel Explore Chip Manufacturing Partnership, Aiming for iPhone Production by 2028
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Apple and Intel are reportedly in discussions for a significant collaboration that would see Intel manufacture Apple Silicon for a range of devices, potentially including iPhone chips as early as 2028. This marks a notable shift, as Apple moved away from Intel years ago to develop its own ARM-based chips for its Mac lineup—a move that has proven highly successful.
Apple is increasingly focused on bolstering its supply chain resilience, and this potential partnership with Intel represents a strategic move toward risk mitigation and supply chain diversification. Currently, the tech giant heavily relies on a single manufacturing partner in East Asia, a vulnerability exposed by recent global disruptions.
A Foundry Partnership, Not a Design Collaboration
This renewed relationship won’t involve Intel designing the processors themselves. Instead, Intel would function as a foundry partner, similar to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Apple’s current primary chipmaker. Apple will continue to spearhead the design of its powerful A-series processors, while Intel would handle the intricate process of fabrication.
“This collaboration would not involve Intel designing the processor,” one analyst noted. “Instead, Intel would become a foundry partner.”
Phased Rollout: From Macs and iPads to iPhones
According to reliable industry analyst Jeff Pu, the partnership is expected to begin on a modest scale. Intel could initially manufacture Apple’s lower-end M-series chips for select Mac and iPad models as early as mid-2027, utilizing Intel’s advanced 18A process. This initial phase appears to be a “trial run,” allowing Intel to demonstrate its manufacturing consistency and reliability before potentially taking on the high-volume production of iPhone chips.
Should this initial phase prove successful, the agreement could expand significantly. By 2028, Intel could potentially manufacture a portion of the non-Pro iPhone chips—such as the rumored A22 processor—using its forthcoming 14A fabrication process.
Strengthening Domestic Chip Production
The move aligns with broader U.S. efforts to promote domestic chip production and reduce reliance on overseas facilities. A significant portion of Intel’s advanced manufacturing capacity is located within the United States, offering Apple a valuable opportunity to diversify its manufacturing footprint and create a buffer against geopolitical tensions or regional lockdowns.
“By adding Intel as a manufacturer, Apple drastically increases its resilience,” a senior official stated.
A Win-Win for Both Tech Giants
Securing Apple as a client would be a substantial achievement for Intel. It would validate the company’s ambitious plan to regain technological leadership in the foundry business and restore its prestige by demonstrating the competitiveness of its next-generation 18A and 14A manufacturing nodes.
For Apple, the partnership promises a more secure and diversified supply chain, safeguarding the production of its most critical devices. If successful, this potential deal could redefine the relationship between these two tech giants and strengthen the global supply chain for Apple’s most critical device.
