Apple reportedly has a deal to use Intel-made chips again

At a glance:

• Apple and Intel have reportedly reached a "preliminary agreement" for Intel to manufacture chips for Apple hardware
• This comes after Apple's successful transition to Apple Silicon, moving away from Intel processors
• Intel is expected to potentially start shipping "Apple's lowest-end M processor" as soon as 2027

The Agreement

Apple and Intel have reportedly established a "preliminary agreement" for Intel to manufacture chips for Apple hardware, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal published on Friday. This development marks a potential shift in Apple's chip strategy, coming just a few years after the company successfully transitioned from Intel-powered computers to its own Apple Silicon processors. The agreement represents a significant business move for both companies, as Apple continues to expand its chip-making capabilities while Intel seeks to regain its position in the high-performance chip market.

Intel spokesperson Kiana Ducey declined to comment on the reported agreement, and Apple did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The Wall Street Journal noted that it's "still unclear" which specific Apple products will receive Intel-made chips, leaving many questions about the scope and timeline of this potential partnership. This uncertainty has created speculation among industry observers about whether Intel will be involved in producing specific components or entire processors for Apple's product lineup.

Context: Apple's Silicon Transition

The reported agreement with Intel comes after Apple made a highly successful transition to its own Apple Silicon processors, which began in late 2020 with the introduction of the M1 chip. This move allowed Apple to create custom-designed chips optimized specifically for its hardware and software ecosystem, resulting in significant performance improvements and energy efficiency gains across its Mac product line. The transition away from Intel was a bold strategic decision that demonstrated Apple's growing confidence in its in-house chip design capabilities.

Prior to the Apple Silicon transition, Intel processors had powered Apple's Mac computers for over 15 years, dating back to 2006 when Apple made the switch from PowerPC chips. During this period, Intel's x86 architecture became the standard for personal computers, and Apple's adoption of Intel chips helped the company modernize its product lineup and improve compatibility with Windows-based software. The reported return to Intel, even in a limited capacity, suggests that Apple may be looking to diversify its chip suppliers or leverage Intel's manufacturing capabilities for specific components that complement its own designs.

Current Chip Manufacturing Landscape

Currently, Apple relies primarily on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to produce its processor chips, including the M-series chips that power its Mac computers and other devices. TSMC is the world's largest dedicated independent semiconductor foundry and has been a critical partner in Apple's chip-making strategy. However, recent reports from Bloomberg suggest that Apple has held "exploratory discussions" with both Intel and Samsung about having them make Apple's processor chips in the United States.

This potential shift toward domestic manufacturing aligns with broader trends in the tech industry, as companies seek to reduce their reliance on overseas suppliers amid geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. The Biden administration has been encouraging companies to bring more semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States, and the government's recent 10% stake in Intel could further incentivize domestic production. By diversifying its chip suppliers, Apple may be looking to mitigate risks associated with its current dependence on TSMC, which operates primarily in Taiwan.

Intel's Recent Strategic Moves

Intel has undergone significant leadership and strategic changes in recent years, which may have influenced the potential agreement with Apple. In March 2025, Intel appointed Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO, bringing fresh leadership to the company as it seeks to regain its competitive position in the semiconductor industry. Tan, who has experience in the semiconductor and technology sectors, has been tasked with revitalizing Intel's business and expanding its manufacturing capabilities.

In August 2025, the US government took a 10% stake in Intel, a move that has been interpreted as both a financial investment and a strategic endorsement of the company's importance to national security and technological leadership. This investment could provide Intel with additional resources to pursue advanced manufacturing technologies and expand its domestic production capabilities. The timing of these developments, combined with the reported agreement with Apple, suggests that Intel may be positioning itself to play a more significant role in the chip supply chain for major technology companies.

Potential Timeline and Scope

According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Intel is "expected" to start shipping "Apple's lowest-end M processor" as early as 2027. This timeline suggests that any agreement between Apple and Intel would likely involve a phased rollout, with Intel potentially handling entry-level or specialized components rather than high-performance processors. Kuo, who has a strong track record of accurately predicting Apple's supply chain developments, indicated that the partnership could begin with Apple's most affordable models before potentially expanding to other products.

Bloomberg reported in September that Intel had also asked Apple about a potential investment and how to work more closely together, suggesting that the relationship between the two companies could extend beyond simple manufacturing. This potential investment could provide Intel with additional capital to expand its manufacturing capabilities, while giving Apple a stake in Intel's future success. The exact nature of any potential investment remains unclear, but it indicates that both companies see strategic value in a closer partnership.