Apple May Partner With Intel for Next-Gen Mac and iPad Chips by 2027

Apple and Intel might join forces again, but not like before. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple has signed a non-disclosure agreement with Intel to access the company’s 18AP process design kit, an advanced 2nm manufacturing technology. This would allow Intel to manufacture future M-series chips for MacBook Air and iPad models while Apple continues to design the chips internally. If development stays on schedule, Intel-built Apple silicon could begin shipping in 2027.

Apple seeks a second chip foundry beyond TSMC

Apple currently relies on TSMC for every M-series processor. Kuo says Apple has started evaluating Intel’s 18AP 0.9.1 PDK, which lets engineers begin modeling a next-gen entry-level M-series chip.

A key checkpoint will arrive in early 2026, when Intel is expected to deliver PDK 1.0/1.1. If Intel meets Apple’s requirements for performance, power efficiency, and transistor density, Apple will finalize production on Intel’s 18AP node, opening the door for mass manufacturing by mid-to-late 2027.

This move supports Apple’s broader plan to diversify its supply chain instead of depending entirely on a single foundry. Geopolitical uncertainty and growing interest in US-based semiconductor manufacturing could make Intel a strategic second partner.

Intel sees Apple as a key milestone in its foundry comeback

Intel has been racing to rebuild its position as a leading chip manufacturer through Intel Foundry Services. After several years of production delays that allowed TSMC and Samsung to overtake it, Intel is trying to prove it can once again compete at the cutting edge.

According to Kuo, Intel’s 18A yields are improving steadily, with about 7 percent monthly progress as Intel prepares for its upcoming Panther Lake CPU series. If Apple commits to Intel’s 18AP process, it would validate Intel’s comeback and could influence other major companies currently evaluating TSMC’s N2-class nodes.

Intel aims for its foundry division to break even by 2027. Landing Apple would strengthen that plan and boost the company’s credibility across the industry.

Intel must meet Apple’s 2026 benchmark before the deal is finalized

Nothing is guaranteed yet. Apple will only move ahead if Intel’s 2026 PDK milestone hits the strict performance targets Apple sets for its M-series roadmap. If Intel falls short, Apple is expected to continue exclusively with TSMC’s N2P process for upcoming chips.

Both sides remain cautiously optimistic. Intel continues pushing toward its aggressive manufacturing roadmap, while Apple is already preparing early design work using the 18AP kit. If development stays on track, Intel-built Apple chips could power MacBook Air and iPad models as soon as 2027, marking a major shift in the semiconductor industry.

Apple and Intel have not issued official statements on the report.