Apple Eyes Intel for Entry-Level M-Series Chip Production by 2027

Apple is poised to partner with Intel as a secondary manufacturer for its entry-level M-series processors, potentially marking the chipmaker's return to producing components for the company's devices by 2027, according to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Kuo, of TF International Securities, shared the prediction in a post on X on November 28, 2025, based on recent industry surveys. He indicated that the prospects for Intel becoming an advanced-node supplier to Apple have improved markedly in recent weeks. Under the arrangement, Intel would fabricate Apple's lowest-end M-series chips, used in products such as the MacBook Air and iPad Pro, but not design them. Apple would continue relying primarily on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) for its silicon needs, with this deal serving as a limited diversification effort.

The collaboration stems from a nondisclosure agreement between the two companies. Apple has already received Intel's 18AP process design kit (PDK) version 0.9.1GA, which enables initial simulation and design work. The next key step involves Intel delivering the more complete PDK versions 1.0 and 1.1, expected in the first quarter of 2026. If development...