Apple Tests Low-End Chips at Intel Foundries

Apple has begun small-scale testing of low-end processors for iPhones, iPads and Macs at Intel foundries, marking a renewed partnership six years after the company shifted away from Intel chips.

Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo detailed the development in a report shared on X, stating that Apple has launched production of these legacy processors on Intel's 18AP process, which incorporates Foveros packaging technology. The wafer allocation aligns closely with Apple's overall device sales mix, with about 80 percent dedicated to iPhones. Kuo outlined a multi-year timeline that mirrors the 18AP technology lifecycle: small-scale testing in 2026, production ramp-up in 2027, continued growth in 2028 and expected decline in 2029.

This move allows Apple to validate yields, refine designs and establish processes across its product lines, according to Kuo. The analyst noted that discussions with Intel predated recent strains on primary supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), reflecting a long-term strategy to diversify amid TSMC's growing focus on high-revenue AI and high-performance computing chips. TSMC is projected to maintain more than 90 percent of Apple's...