Apple May Tap Intel Again for Future M-Series Chips: Here’s What Early Reports Suggest

Here’s the thing—Apple’s chip strategy may be heading for a surprising twist. After years of relying entirely on TSMC for its Apple Silicon lineup, new reports suggest the company might bring Intel back into the picture. And not for legacy parts, but for the next wave of entry-level M-series processors. If the timelines hold, this shift could begin as early as 2027.

Apple Expected to Use Intel Foundries for Entry-Level M-Series Chips

According to supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple and Intel have already signed an NDA, and Intel now has access to Apple’s 18AP process development kit. This 18-series node is part of Intel’s long-term foundry push and is still in development, with early PDK versions reportedly arriving in 2026.

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If everything stays on track, Intel could begin mass-producing Apple’s lowest-end M-series chips in 2027. These are the processors that typically power high-volume devices—MacBook Air models and entry-level iPads. While they’re not the most complex chips Apple makes, they’re essential to the company’s unit sales, making this a strategic slice of business.

Why This Move Matters

Apple broke away completely from Intel CPUs last year when its Mac line shifted to Apple Silicon. TSMC has been the exclusive manufacturer for every subsequent M-series and A-series chip since then. If Apple were to split production now, it would suggest two things.

First up, Intel’s foundry roadmap—particularly its 18AP node—may now have matured enough to help regain some level of customer confidence. Second, Apple may want to diversify its supply chain instead of being dependent on TSMC at a time when the race over chips has become more competitive and geopolitically fraught.

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Kuo’s report adds that Intel could be shipping between 15 and 20 million units of these entry-level chips annually [via Extremetech] beginning in the year 2027. That’s a lot of volume for an early-stage node and a significant back-slap for Intel’s foundry turnaround.

Final Thoughts

Nothing has been confirmed, of course, but the early signs seem good. If Apple were to really return Intel into the company’s silicon manufacturing pipeline, you would be witnessing one of the most bizarre flip-flopping moments in recent tech history. It would be a very big credibility boost for Intel. For Apple, it might be a play for long-term manufacturing flexibility. Either way, 2027 could be an inflection point for the entire chip industry.