Apple may outsource the production of its own Apple silicon to Intel
Apple has switched from Intel's CPUs to its proprietary
Apple might turn to Intel for its upcoming M-series chips, per report - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/28/apple-might-turn-to-intel-for-its-upcoming-m-series-chips-per-report/
Kuo, a well-known Apple leaker, has pointed out that Intel could start manufacturing low-end M-series chips as early as 2027.
Intel expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M processor as early as 2027
— Ming-Chi Kuo (@mingchikuo) November 28, 2025
There have long been market rumors that Intel could become an advanced-node foundry supplier to Apple, but visibility around this had remained low. My latest industry surveys, however, indicate that…
For many years, there have been rumors that Intel could become Apple's advanced node foundry supplier. However, Kuo's own industry research has revealed that Intel is increasingly likely to become Apple's advanced node supplier.
According to Kuo, Apple previously signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with Intel and received PDK version 0.9.1GA for the advanced node ' 18AP .' Key simulation and research projects are progressing as expected, and Apple is awaiting Intel's release of PDK version 1.0/1.1 for 18AP in the first quarter of 2026. Apple plans to begin shipping low-end M-series chips using Intel's advanced node as early as the second quarter of 2027. However, the actual timeline will depend on development progress after receiving PDK version 1.0/1.1 for 18AP.
Apple's low-end M-series chips are primarily used in the MacBook Air and iPad Pro, with total shipments of approximately 20 million units in 2025. However, it is expected that MacBook Air shipments in 2026 may be impacted by new, more affordable models using iPhone-class processors, leading to a shipment forecast of 15 to 20 million units for the low-end M-series chips in 2026 and 2027.
'In absolute terms, the order volume for low-end M-series chips is relatively small and will not materially impact TSMC's dominance for several years,' Kuo said. However, he also noted that this is a good deal for Apple, not only because it demonstrates strong support for the Trump administration's 'Made in USA' policy, but also because it improves the company's current reliance on TSMC for semiconductor manufacturing.
Kuo pointed out that the significance of winning Apple's advanced node order for Intel goes beyond the direct revenue it will generate from this business. While Intel will still struggle to compete directly with TSMC in the foundry business for the next few years, partnering with Apple suggests that the worst for Intel's foundry business may soon be over.
'Looking forward, the 14A node and beyond could help Intel win more orders from Apple and other top customers, potentially turning its long-term outlook more positive,' Kuo noted.
9to5Mac points out that Kuo's 'low-end M-series chip' refers to the lowest-spec M5 chip in the M5 series. Since the M7 series is expected to be released in 2027, it is likely that Intel will be contract manufacturing the M7 chip.
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