Analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities has reiterated his forecast that Intel could begin manufacturing chips for select iPhone models as early as 2028. This development, detailed in Pu’s latest research note obtained by MacRumors, builds on earlier reports and underscores Apple’s strategy to reduce reliance on its primary chipmaker, TSMC, amid intensifying competition for advanced semiconductor production capacity. Pu’s analysis specifies that Intel would fabricate chips using its upcoming 14A process node, targeting non-Pro iPhone variants — potentially the base model and the budget-oriented “e” series. This could involve portions of Apple’s A21 or A22 system-on-chips (SoCs), with production slated to ramp up in 2028. Importantly, Intel’s role would be limited to manufacturing; Apple would retain full control over chip design, maintaining its Arm-based architecture that powered the transition away from Intel’s x86 processors in Macs starting in 2020. This isn’t Pu’s first mention of the potential deal. In a December 2025 investor note, he initially projected Intel’s involvement extending to iPhones following an expected 2027 start for low-end M-series chips in Macs and iPads. That earlier report aligned with insights from Tianfeng Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who in November 2025 indicated Intel would leverage its 18A process for entry-level M-series processors, such as those in the MacBook Air or iPad, beginning in mid-2027. Pu corroborated Kuo’s timeline for Macs and iPads while expanding the scope to include non-Pro iPhone SoCs like the A22, which could debut in devices such as the iPhone 20 or iPhone 20e. The rationale behind this renewed partnership appears rooted in supply chain resilience. Apple’s annual spending with TSMC has ballooned from $2 billion in 2014 to $24 billion in 2025, but Nvidia has reportedly overtaken Apple as TSMC’s top customer due to surging demand for AI accelerators. This shift has created bottlenecks, prompting Apple to diversify its manufacturing base. Intel’s U.S.-based fabs, bolstered by government incentives under the CHIPS Act, offer a geopolitical hedge against risks tied to Taiwan-based production Recent industry checks from KeyBanc Capital Markets further support this, noting Intel’s 18A yields exceeding 60%—sufficient for ramping production—and confirming Apple as a client for low-end M-series chips in 2027, with discussions underway for 14A-based iPhone processors potentially in 2029. Historical ties between Apple and Intel add credibility to the rumors. Intel previously supplied cellular modems for iPhone models from the iPhone 7 through iPhone 11, before Apple shifted to Qualcomm and eventually developed its own modems. This new arrangement would mark a full-circle moment, but with a key difference: Intel as a pure-play foundry, not a chip designer. Analysts like Pu emphasize that TSMC will remain Apple’s dominant partner, with Intel handling supplementary volumes for lower-tier devices. Broader market dynamics also play a role. Intel’s CEO Lip-Bu Tan has publicly highlighted the company’s push into advanced nodes like 14A, hinting at serving major external clients. U.S. President Donald Trump’s January 2026 Truth Social post praised Intel’s sub-2nm advancements and noted the U.S. government’s stake in the company, which has yielded billions in returns — signaling strong domestic support for such partnerships. Meanwhile, job listings from Apple and Broadcom suggest interest in Intel’s EMIB (Embedded Multi-Die Interconnect Bridge) technology, further fueling speculation. While these reports remain unconfirmed by Apple or Intel, they paint a picture of strategic evolution in semiconductor sourcing. If realized, this deal could enhance Apple’s production flexibility, potentially stabilizing supply for future iPhones amid global chip shortages. As Pu noted in his updates, including details on the iPhone 18 lineup’s specs like the A20 Pro chip and 12GB RAM across models, Apple’s roadmap continues to prioritize innovation while mitigating risks. MacDailyNews Take: Hopefully Intel, for a change, has some success, creating some competition for TSMC, benefitting Apple by driving down costs for stamping Apple Silicon, even if it is only lower-end chips. When Intel CEO Paul Otellini passed on Apple’s iPhone: That decision has to be close to the top of the list of Biggest Business Mistakes in History. – MacDailyNews, May 17, 2013 Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon. The post Apple eyes Intel partnership for future iPhone chips appeared first on MacDailyNews. You're currently a free subscriber to MacDailyNews. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
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Friday, January 23, 2026
Apple eyes Intel partnership for future iPhone chips
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