Intel may soon become a manufacturing partner for some Apple chips for the first time in nearly a decade, according to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.Apple has started small-scale testing of lower-end iPhone, iPad and Mac processors using Intel’s 18A-P chip manufacturing process. The move could mark a major shift in Apple’s supply chain strategy, as Taiwan’s TSMC has been Apple’s exclusive chip manufacturing partner since 2016. Kuo said production testing is expected to begin in 2026, with larger-scale manufacturing likely to grow through 2027 and 2028. Apple has kicked off low-end/legacy iPhone, iPad, and Mac processors at Intel on the 18A-P series (using Foveros packaging). The order mix is roughly 80% iPhone, mirroring Apple’s end-device sales mix. Apple’s wafer plans at Intel reflect the technology lifecycle of the 18A-P series: small-scale testing in 2026, ramp in 2027, continued growth in 2028, and decline in 2029. Apple is also actively evaluating Intel’s other advanced-node technologies. What is your take on Apple supply chain strategy ?
