Apple and Intel Rumored to Reunite: Intel to Manufacture Low-End M-Series Chips on 18A Process by 2027

In a surprising twist to Apple's silicon journey, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that Intel is poised to manufacture Apple's lowest-end M-series chips as early as mid-2027 MacRumors. This would mark a limited rekindling of the two companies' partnership, with Intel handling production on its advanced 18A process—the earliest sub-2nm node fabricated in North America—while Apple retains full design control over its Arm-based architecture.

A Strategic Manufacturing Diversification

Apple's transition from Intel's x86 processors to its own M-series chips, initiated in 2020, has been a resounding success, delivering unmatched performance per watt that has redefined mobile computing benchmarks. Yet, as macOS Tahoe heralds the end of Intel Mac support, this rumored collaboration isn't about architecture but pure manufacturing muscle. Intel would produce entry-level M6 or M7 chips destined for devices like the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, while TSMC continues to handle the lion's share of Apple's silicon needs.

The 18A process represents Intel's aggressive push into the foundry market, aiming to challenge TSMC's dominance with U.S.-based production. For Apple, outsourcing low-end chips to Intel diversifies its supply chain, mitigating risks from geopolitical tensions and natural disasters that have occasionally disrupted TSMC's operations in Taiwan.

"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." — Ming-Chi Kuo

Geopolitical and Industry Implications

This move aligns with growing U.S. pressures for onshoring critical technologies, particularly under a potential Trump administration emphasizing domestic manufacturing. Intel's 18A node, expected to enter risk production soon and high-volume manufacturing by 2026, positions it as a viable alternative for Apple seeking to balance cost, performance, and political goodwill.

For developers and engineers, the implications extend beyond hardware. Apple's M-series ecosystem has flourished thanks to its unified memory architecture and neural engines, benefits that would persist regardless of the fabricator. However, Intel's involvement could subtly influence yield rates, power efficiency, or even future process optimizations if Apple shares feedback loops—though such details remain speculative.

Intel, meanwhile, gains a high-profile win in its foundry ambitions, potentially validating 18A's competitiveness against TSMC's N2P or A16 nodes. This could accelerate Intel's recovery from recent stumbles, bolstering its case to attract other fabless giants like AMD or Qualcomm.

Balancing Innovation and Pragmatism

Apple's silicon supremacy isn't threatened; M-series chips have powered everything from record-breaking MacBook battery life to AI-accelerated iPads. This Intel partnership, if realized, underscores a pragmatic approach: leveraging global expertise while hedging against single-point failures. As supply chain resilience becomes a boardroom imperative, Apple's rumored play could set a precedent for how Big Tech navigates the new era of fractured geopolitics and advanced nodes.