Intel to Begin Shipping Apple's M-Series Chips as Early as 2027 [Kuo]

Apple appears poised to bring Intel into its silicon supply chain, with new data indicating the chipmaker could begin shipping low-end M-series processors as early as 2027. Rumors of a foundry partnership have circulated for years, but visibility on the arrangement has improved significantly in recent months.

TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple has signed a non-disclosure agreement with Intel and received access to its 18AP process design kit. Early simulation and research work is tracking to expectations, and Apple is now awaiting Intel's finalized PDK 1.0/1.1, scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026. If development stays on track, Intel could begin shipping Apple's processors between the second and third quarters of 2027.

The order would cover Apple's lowest-end M processors, typically found in the iPad Pro and MacBook Air. Kuo estimates annual shipments of these chips will fall between 15 and 20 million units in 2026 and 2027. He also notes that volumes may be affected by the introduction of a "new more-affordable MacBook model using an iPhone-class processor" expected in 2026. That aligns with recent reporting that Apple is developing a low-cost laptop to compete with Chromebooks.


Although the order size isn't large enough to impact TSMC's dominance or technology lead, the strategic implications are noteworthy. Adding Intel as a second-source supplier gives Apple valuable supply chain redundancy and supports the "Made in USA" policy promoted by the Trump administration. For Intel, securing advanced-node work from a tier-one customer like Apple signals that its foundry efforts may finally be turning a corner.

This development follows reports from September that Intel had approached Apple about a potential investment or closer partnership to support its turnaround. It also comes as TSMC is reportedly notifying customers of upcoming price increases for its advanced manufacturing nodes.

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