Apple may resume its partnership with Intel, but in a new and more limited way, only for the low-end M series.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Intel will ship Apple’s low-end M-series chips as early as mid-2027. This series of processors can use Intel’s 18A process and is the earliest advanced sub-2 nm process produced in North America.
Theo Macrumorsif the above information is correct, Intel can supply Apple with at least two M6 and M7 chips for future MacBook Air, iPad Air and iPad Pro models. Apple recently released M5 chips but they are all manufactured by TSMC.
A MacBook Air model using an M chip. Photo Tuan Hung
Compared to previous chips for Macs designed by Intel and based on x86 architecture, the M series is designed by Apple and uses ARM architecture. So with the new low-end M chip, Intel will only support the manufacturing process instead of understanding the entire cycle.
Mr. Kuo said that Apple’s choice of Intel helps appease President Donald Trump’s administration’s desire for “made in America” products. On the other hand, this also helps Apple diversify its supply chain, avoiding relying solely on TSMC to produce processors.
“Apple” began switching from Intel processors to M chips for Mac computers from 2020. After 5 years, the company has continuously launched new lines and all bring leading performance per watt of power consumed in the industry.
Previously, the MacBook manufacturer also announced that macOS Tahoe will be the final operating system version to support Mac computers running Intel on x86 architecture.
Intel has recently encountered many difficulties as the technology market enters the AI race. After less than a year, the company laid off more than 20,000 people and about 35,000 people after two years including management positions. According to Reutersthe company has almost no place in the booming AI chip industry, currently dominated by Nvidia. Meanwhile, long-time rival AMD is increasing its market share in key Intel segments such as personal computers and server chips.