Intel is trial-producing some of Apple's A/M series chips, and TSMC's exclusive foundry status may be loosened.

Since 2016, TSMC has been the exclusive foundry for Apple’s self-developed system-on-chip (SoC). This decade-long situation is now facing changes. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently disclosed on social platforms that Intel has "launched" small-scale trial production for Apple's low-end iPhone, iPad and Mac chips. The relevant production capacity is expected to be gradually expanded between 2027 and 2028, but it is currently unclear which A-series and/or M-series chips are involved.

According to reports, Apple is using Intel’s 18A process technology this time and is also evaluating the technical capabilities of Intel’s other advanced process nodes. Once Apple forms a "dual supplier" structure between TSMC and Intel in chip foundry, it will help it strive for more favorable cost conditions in price negotiations and enhance the resilience of the supply chain. Against the backdrop of the current U.S. government's strong push for local manufacturing, Apple's restart of its partnership with Intel is also expected to gain points with the Trump administration. However, Ming-Chi Kuo pointed out that TSMC will still undertake more than 90% of Apple chip foundry tasks in the foreseeable future.

There is currently no sign that Intel will participate in the architectural design of iPhone chips, and its role is expected to be limited to wafer foundry, which is completely different from the era when Intel provided self-developed x86 processors for Macs. Starting in 2020, Apple will begin to shift its Mac product line from Intel processors to self-developed Apple Silicon. This time, Apple will develop self-developed chips and be manufactured by Intel in the United States. They are mainly for some low-end iPhone, iPad and Mac models.

Regarding the possibility of Apple "returning" to the Intel camp, many media and institutions have previously given similar reports, saying that the two parties have reached a preliminary consensus on foundry cooperation, but the relevant agreement has not yet been officially announced, and Apple has not yet made an official announcement.