A surprising development is on the horizon for the tech industry, as analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated a potential rekindling of the partnership between Apple and Intel. The proposed collaboration, set to commence as early as 2027, would involve Intel taking on the manufacturing of Apple's M-series processors, specifically targeting the lower-end models. This marks a significant turn of events since Apple began transitioning away from Intel x86-based CPUs in 2020 to develop its custom M-series silicon, which has since been lauded for its superior performance per watt.
Apple's strategic decision to design its own chips ushered in a new era of enhanced performance and energy efficiency, setting a high bar in the industry. While this shift largely ended Apple's direct reliance on Intel's x86 processors, the new arrangement doesn't signal a return to Intel's CPU architecture for Apple's main lines. Instead, Intel would function as a foundry, fabricating Apple's M-series chips using its advanced 18AP process node. This move is primarily aimed at diversifying Apple's manufacturing supply chain, which currently heavily relies on TSMC for its M-series chip production.
Kuo's insights suggest that Intel would specifically produce Apple's entry-level M-series processors, likely the M6 or M7, for integration into future MacBook Airs and potentially some iPhone models. This strategy aligns with Apple's existing practice of utilizing these chips in its more affordable devices. Despite the projected production volume of 15 to 20 million units being relatively modest compared to Apple's overall chip needs, it represents a substantial win for Intel's nascent foundry business. This partnership could offer Intel much-needed recognition and a boost following a period of challenges in its consumer CPU segment.
The mutual benefits of this resurrected partnership are evident. For Apple, it translates into reduced dependence on a single supplier (TSMC) and the opportunity to support domestic chip manufacturing, potentially garnering positive public relations. For Intel, securing a contract with a high-profile client like Apple would significantly validate its foundry services and inject new momentum into its efforts to compete in the chip manufacturing landscape. This collaboration would arrive at a time when Intel is also reportedly working on its next-generation Nova Lake processors, aiming for a formidable comeback against competitors like AMD with chips featuring up to 52 cores and substantial cache memory.
While these are currently speculative reports, the implications of such a partnership could reshape dynamics within the semiconductor industry. It would signify a strategic realignment for both technology giants, with Apple leveraging Intel's manufacturing capabilities to enhance supply chain resilience, and Intel gaining a crucial foothold in the burgeoning foundry market. The industry will be closely watching to see if these rumors materialize, potentially heralding a new chapter in the complex relationship between Apple and Intel.
