Apple is planning to work with Intel to make some of its lower-end M-series chips. These chips usually go into products like the MacBook Air and entry-level iPads.
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| Image Credit: CNN |
The actual design of the chips will still be done by Apple, but Intel will take care of making the chips using its 18AP chip-making process. This means Apple is not bringing back Intel processors inside Macs, but is just using Intel to help make its own ARM-based M chips.
An expert named Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple has already signed a secret agreement with Intel and has access to Intel’s tools for this 18AP process. Intel is expected to have the final versions of these tools ready by early 2026 so they can start making chips properly. If Intel sticks to the schedule and can make these chips well, mass production could start around the middle or end of 2027.
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Intel wants to grow its business by making chips for other companies, competing with big makers like TSMC and Samsung. For Apple, using Intel as a second factory for chips means less risk if something happens to its main maker. Also, making some chips in the U.S. fits well with the goal of encouraging more domestic production because of government policies and public demand.
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| Image Credit: UnSplash |
Reports say Intel could make millions of these lower-end M chips each year if the deal moves forward possibly tens of millions by 2027. However, Apple will keep making its higher-end M chips for Pro and Max models with TSMC for now, so the more powerful models won’t change much.
For customers, the difference will mostly be small because Apple still controls how the chips are designed. But using Intel may help prevent shortages and make it easier to buy popular, affordable Macs and iPads. Whether this will affect the price is not clear since it depends on how much it costs Intel to make the chips and Apple’s own strategies.
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This news is still mostly from rumors based on analyst reports and secret agreements, so things might change. Important things to watch for are Intel releasing its updated tools in early 2026 and any official news from Apple or Intel about starting production around 2026 or 2027.