Intel will manufacture low-end processors Apple’s M series using the advanced 18A process, which are expected to be ready from the second quarter of 2027.
He 18A semiconductor process It is the most advanced from Intel, 2 nanometers which improves performance per watt by up to 15 percent and chip density by 30 percent over Intel 3. It is currently in production in the United States as it is used in the new Intel Core Ultra 3 series (Panther Lake) processors.
This process, Intel’s most advanced to date, will also be used for the M series low-GMA processors, as reported by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Specifically, he says that Apple has already signed a confidentiality agreement and is waiting for Intel to launch the final version (PDK 1.0/1.1), scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
Low-end M series processors are mainly used in devices MacBook Air y iPad Pro. As part of the agreement, Intel would be responsible for manufacturing only, since Apple would remain responsible for its design.
According to the analyst, Intel will not access a large volume of orders, but it will be significant for its feature business. In 2025, combined shipments of chips for MacBook Air and iPad Pro totaled 20 million units, but are estimated to be between 15 and 20 million by 2026 and 2027, due to Apple’s intention to launch a new, more affordable MacBook with the iPhone processor.
Apple, for its part, will continue to depend on TSCM nodes – currently its main supplier – and will be able to offer new devices with a ‘Made in the USA’ approach from the second half of 2027when the processors manufactured by Intel are expected to be ready.