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Apple\u2019s<\/strong><\/a> long-term chip strategy may be taking a surprising turn. According to a new industry report, the Cupertino-based tech giant<\/strong> is preparing to bring Intel<\/strong><\/a> back into its supply chain \u2014 not for Mac processors like before<\/strong>, but to manufacture its <\/span>entry-level M-series chipsets<\/strong> starting in 2027<\/strong>. This move could mark a major shift in Apple\u2019s chip production roadmap and potentially reshape the global semiconductor landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Apple reportedly plans to use Intel as a secondary source for manufacturing its lowest-end M-series processors.<\/span><\/p>\n Intel and Apple are said to have signed an NDA<\/strong>, giving Intel access to the <\/span>18AP process development kit<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Mass production of these chips may begin in <\/span>2027<\/strong>, supplying 15\u201320 million units annually.<\/span><\/p>\n This would be Apple\u2019s first significant collaboration with Intel since transitioning to Apple Silicon in 2020.<\/span><\/p>\n TSMC will remain the primary supplier, but Intel could help manage volume and supply-chain stability.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Apple has relied solely on TSMC<\/strong><\/a> for manufacturing its M-series chips since the launch of <\/span>Apple Silicon<\/strong><\/a> in 2020. But growing demand, rising costs, and global supply-chain risks appear to be pushing Apple toward a dual-sourcing strategy \u2014 a model the company has historically adopted for displays, modems, and memory components.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n According to supply-chain analyst <\/span>Ming-Chi Kuo<\/strong><\/a>, Intel is now preparing to manufacture Apple\u2019s most basic M-series processors used in devices such as:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n MacBook Air<\/strong><\/p>\n Entry-level iPad models<\/strong><\/p>\n Future budget-oriented Apple devices<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n These chips form the bulk of Apple\u2019s consumer hardware shipments, making them ideal candidates for offloading to a second manufacturing partner.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The centre of this collaboration is Intel\u2019s upcoming <\/span>18AP process technology<\/strong>, which is expected to compete directly with TSMC\u2019s advanced nodes.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n A next-generation advanced process under Intel Foundry Services (IFS).<\/span><\/p>\n Designed to improve performance-per-watt and transistor density.<\/span><\/p>\n Intel expects the node to enter <\/span>mass production by mid-to-late 2027<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Apple has reportedly provided Intel with access to its <\/span>Process Design Kit (PDK)<\/strong> versions 1.0 and 1.1, scheduled for finalisation by early 2026. This early access suggests deep collaboration and alignment with Apple\u2019s upcoming M-series roadmap.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n If the deal moves forward as reported, Intel could supply <\/span>15 million to 20 million chip units per year<\/strong> for Apple.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n For Intel, partnering with Apple gives:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Massive, consistent production volume<\/span><\/p>\n Global credibility as a cutting-edge foundry<\/span><\/p>\n A chance to compete directly with TSMC and Samsung<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n This agreement could help Intel accelerate its comeback in the chip manufacturing race.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Apple\u2019s decision is surprising because it spent more than a decade moving away from Intel chips. The company completely ended its dependency in <\/span>2020<\/strong>, shifting all Mac devices to Apple\u2019s own M-series processors.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n If Apple indeed taps Intel again \u2014 even for lower-end chips \u2014 it would mark a rare strategic pivot, signalling:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n A need for diversified production<\/span><\/p>\n Concerns over TSMC\u2019s capacity or geopolitical risks<\/span><\/p>\n Confidence in Intel\u2019s future manufacturing capabilities<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n TSMC is still expected to produce Apple\u2019s high-end chips (like M-Pro and M-Max), where efficiency and performance are critical.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Several factors could influence Apple\u2019s decision:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The entry-level products represent Apple\u2019s biggest shipment volumes.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n A dual-source setup protects Apple from disruptions like material shortages or geopolitical tensions, especially Taiwan-related risks.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Intel may offer competitive pricing and capacity, especially as it expands its foundry operations in the US and Europe.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n US and European initiatives encourage local production and supply-chain diversification \u2014 a strategy that aligns with Apple\u2019s long-term plans.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n If the reports are accurate, Apple returning to Intel for entry-level M-series chip manufacturing will be one of the most significant semiconductor developments of the decade. The partnership could:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Strengthen Intel\u2019s growing foundry ambitions<\/span><\/p>\n Reduce Apple\u2019s dependence on TSMC<\/span><\/p>\n Diversify global chip production<\/span><\/p>\n Reshape the Mac and iPad production ecosystem<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n As Intel<\/a> pushes hard to regain dominance in the chip industry, Apple\u2019s involvement could be the catalyst Intel needs \u2014 while giving Apple a more stable, flexible, and scalable semiconductor supply line for the future.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Latest Technology News | Updates<\/a> | Latest Electric Vehicle News | Updates<\/a> | Electronics News<\/a> | Mobile News | Updates<\/a> | Software Updates<\/a><\/p>\n \n Facebook<\/a> | Twitter<\/a> | WhatsApp Channel<\/a> | Instagram<\/a> | Telegram<\/a> | Threads<\/a> | LinkedIn<\/a> | YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Stay informed, Stay Connected!<\/p>\n The post Apple May Bring Intel Back for M-Series Chip Production by 2027: A Major Shift in Its Silicon Strategy<\/a> appeared first on Before You Take<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u00a0 Apple\u2019s long-term chip strategy may be taking a surprising turn. According to a new industry report, the Cupertino-based tech giant is preparing to bring Intel back into its supply chain \u2014 not for Mac processors like before, but to manufacture its entry-level Continue reading Apple May Bring Intel Back for M-Series Chip Production by 2027: A Major Shift in Its Silicon Strategy<\/span>Key Points<\/h1>\n
Apple Looking to Diversify Chip Production<\/h2>\n
Intel\u2019s 18AP Process: A Big Bet for the Chipmaker<\/h2>\n
What is the 18AP Node?<\/h3>\n
A Major Volume Opportunity for Intel<\/h2>\n
\n<\/span>This would be the largest foundry partnership Intel has secured since launching its IFS business \u2014 and a major milestone in its goal to become the world\u2019s second-largest semiconductor manufacturer.<\/span><\/p>\nA Rare Reversal for Apple<\/h2>\n
Why Apple Might Need a Second Source<\/h2>\n
Rising Demand for Macs and iPads<\/h3>\n
Supply Chain Stability<\/h3>\n
Cost and Scalability<\/h3>\n
Regulatory Pressure<\/h3>\n
Conclusion<\/h1>\n
Follow Before You Take<\/a> on:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n