Apple and Intel have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement that will allow Intel to manufacture some of the chips used in future Apple devices, marking a major shift in Apple’s supply chain strategy after years of relying almost entirely on TSMC for Apple silicon production.
According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, discussions between Apple and Intel continued for more than a year before both companies finalized a formal agreement in recent months. The report says Intel will manufacture chips based on Apple’s own designs, similar to the role TSMC currently plays for iPhone, iPad, and Mac processors.
The agreement reportedly does not cover all Apple chips right away, and it remains unclear which Apple products Intel will support first. Earlier rumors suggested Intel was targeting lower-end Apple silicon chips, including entry-level M-series processors used in some iPads and Macs.
This development comes years after Apple moved away from Intel processors in Macs and introduced its own Apple silicon lineup. Apple made that transition because Intel struggled with repeated delays and slower chip development cycles, while Apple wanted tighter control over performance, battery life, and release timing.
Now, however, the situation looks different. Intel’s new CEO Lip-Bu Tan has focused heavily on rebuilding Intel’s chip manufacturing business and attracting major customers. Intel is currently developing its advanced 14A process technology, which is expected to enter production in 2028, while its 18A process is already moving forward.
Apple’s interest in Intel also reflects growing pressure on TSMC’s manufacturing capacity. During Apple’s latest earnings call, Tim Cook confirmed that iPhone 17 production faced constraints because Apple could not secure enough A19 and A19 Pro chips from TSMC.
The AI boom has increased demand for advanced chips across the industry, especially for AI servers and data centers. Since TSMC also manufactures chips for companies like NVIDIA, Apple now faces stronger competition for manufacturing capacity than it did a few years ago.
For Apple, working with Intel reduces dependence on a single supplier while also strengthening its manufacturing footprint outside Taiwan. For Intel, landing Apple as a customer would represent one of the company’s biggest wins in its effort to rebuild trust in its foundry business.
