Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

by

While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way.

New Intel Logo
Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027.

Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest available sub-2nm advanced node manufactured in North America."

If this rumor proves to be accurate, Intel could supply Apple with M6 or M7 chips for future MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models at a minimum. However, while previous Intel chips for Macs were designed by Intel and based on x86 architecture, M-series chips are designed by Apple and use Arm architecture. Intel would only assist with manufacturing.

TSMC would continue to supply the majority of Apple's M-series chips.

Kuo said that Apple choosing to have Intel supply its lowest-end M-series chip would appease the Trump administration's desire for "Made in USA" products, and it would also help Apple to diversify its supply chain for manufacturing.

Apple began transitioning away from Intel processors in Macs in 2020, and its own M-series chips continue to provide industry-leading performance per watt.

Apple previously announced that macOS Tahoe will be the final major macOS release that supports Intel-based Macs with x86 architecture.

Tags: Apple Silicon Guide, Intel, Ming-Chi Kuo

Top Rated Comments

Rudy69 Avatar
Rudy69
18 weeks ago

Dear god no.
Why? Having multiple foundries available is a good way to keep prices down and ensure TSMC can't just jack up prices on Apple.

They're not switching to x64, they will still be Apple Silicon and the end user won't be able to tell the difference. As long as Intel is able to manufacture them
Score: 64 Votes (Like | Disagree)
centauratlas Avatar
centauratlas
18 weeks ago

Why? Having multiple foundries available is a good way to keep prices down and ensure TSMC can't just jack up prices on Apple.

They're not switching to x64, they will still be Apple Silicon and the end user won't be able to tell the difference. As long as Intel is able to manufacture them
Precisely. I'd also add that if China were to invade, blockade or otherwise interfere in Taiwan, it would be the height of preparedness and smart business to have a foundry that is available in the US.
Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)
N
neuropsychguy
18 weeks ago

Knowing Cook 🧑‍🍳 it’s to cut costs in the supply chain. 💻
Is that a bad thing? Is it bad to also diversify the supply chain outside China and Taiwan?
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nikhsub1 Avatar
nikhsub1
18 weeks ago
Probably not a bad idea for so many reasons.
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Naraxus Avatar
Naraxus
18 weeks ago
Dear god no.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
huge_apple_fangirl Avatar
huge_apple_fangirl
18 weeks ago
I hope this is true. Intel, even more than they need a cash infusion, needs star customers like Apple and NVIDIA to use their fabs. I was hoping the Trump administration would pressure them to work with Intel. Apple made TSMC what they are by working with them and giving them consistent, huge orders for new nodes. The least they owe to this country is to help Intel. We can’t let Intel go the way of Lucent.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments
Related Apple News: Iphone | Motoring | Education | News | Ipad