Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

While all Macs are now powered by Apple’s custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way.

Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple’s lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027.

If this rumor proves to be accurate, Intel could supply Apple with M6 or M7 chips for future MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models at a minimum. However, while previous Intel chips for Macs were designed by Intel and based on x86 architecture, M-series chips are designed by Apple and use Arm architecture. Intel would only assist with manufacturing.

TSMC would continue to supply the majority of Apple’s M-series chips.

Kuo said that Apple choosing to have Intel supply its lowest-end M-series chip would appease the Trump administration’s desire for « Made in USA » products, and it would also help Apple to diversify its supply chain for manufacturing.

Apple began transitioning away from Intel processors in Macs in 2020, and its own M-series chips continue to provide industry-leading performance per watt.

This article, "Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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