According to a recent research report by Jeff Pu, an analyst at Haitong International Securities (GF Securities)Point outApple is reportedly considering restarting its chip manufacturing partnership with Intel. The report predicts that Apple may begin using Intel to manufacture some iPhone processors as early as 2028, utilizing Intel's next-generation chip manufacturing technology.14A process.
No turning back: It's contract manufacturing, not reverting to the x86 architecture.
Pu Deyu emphasized that Intel's role will be strictly limited to "fabrication," meaning it will simply be responsible for producing processors designed by Apple. This implies that Apple still retains control over chip design, and Intel is merely playing the role of a foundry, rather than Apple reconsidering adopting Intel designs or the x86 architecture for its processors.
Based on the timeline, 2028 likely corresponds to the A21 or A22 processor used in the iPhone 20 (tentative name). However, initially, Intel may only be responsible for supplying processors for "non-Pro" models, while TSMC is expected to maintain its position as Apple's main processor foundry.
Mac and iPad may also adopt
In fact, this isn't the only recent rumor about Apple shifting its manufacturing orders to Intel. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also predicted last year that Intel might begin producing some low-end M-series processors for Apple as early as mid-2027, for use in specific Mac or iPad models. At that time, the process node mentioned was Intel 18A (i.e.,...).Current laptop processor manufacturing process technology used in Panther Lake).
According to the two analysts, Apple clearly intends to diversify the risks of its processor manufacturing supply chain, starting with the "entry-level M series" to test the waters and then gradually extending to the A series processors for iPhones.
Why are we turning back to Intel now?
The driving forces behind this potential collaboration mainly stem from supply chain constraints and geopolitical factors:
• NVIDIA ramps up production capacity:With the AI wave surging, NVIDIA has revealed that it has surpassed Apple to become TSMC's largest customer. With advanced process capacity largely consumed by AI server chips, Apple urgently needs a "backup plan" to ensure a stable supply of its products.
• Made in the USA:In line with the Trump administration's "Made in America" policy, having Intel manufacture processors in the United States would be a form of political insurance for Apple.
Analysis of viewpoints
The news that Apple is going to use Intel for manufacturing must have sent a chill down the spines of many Apple fans. After all, a major reason why Apple made the tough decision to abandon Intel and develop its own Apple Silicon was because it couldn't stand Intel's incremental improvements in manufacturing processes and its poor power consumption control.
However, the circumstances have changed. Under the "IDM 2.0" strategy proposed by former CEO Pat Gelsinger, Intel is now striving to transform itself into a wafer foundry competing with TSMC. Meanwhile, the Intel 18A process technology used in the Panther Lake processor seems to be performing well. If it can successfully secure manufacturing orders from Apple, it is expected to gain greater market confidence in its process technology, which will be more beneficial for Intel's future development.
For Apple, allocating some of its "non-core" or "non-top-tier" production capacity to Intel can serve as leverage in negotiating with TSMC and also mitigate geopolitical risks, making it a sound "backup plan."
However, what consumers are most worried about is probably...The nightmare of "processor lottery"A repeat of the past. When the iPhone 6s was launched, the A9 processor used in it had performance and battery life differences between the "TSMC version" and the "Samsung version," causing an uproar in the market.
If future iPhones do indeed use processors manufactured by both TSMC and Intel, whether their performance in terms of yield, heat dissipation, and power consumption is consistent will be Apple's biggest test of quality control. If Intel messes up again (for example, the yield of Intel's 14A process is lower than expected), then this "composite" relationship will likely end even more badly than before.
