Intel and Apple are reportedly moving closer to an unexpected new partnership that could reshape how Apple secures chips for its most popular devices. The two companies have entered a preliminary chipmaking agreement that would see Intel’s semiconductor fabs manufacture some of Apple’s silicon, with industry chatter pointing to the next-generation A21 chip as a likely candidate for production.
Right now, Apple relies on TSMC’s N3B process to build its A18 chips, which power both the MacBook Neo lineup and the iPhone 16 series. But demand for the MacBook Neo has surged, and at the same time the broader semiconductor market is still feeling the squeeze from elevated AI-driven chip demand. With supply tight and competition for advanced manufacturing capacity increasing, Apple appears to be taking a practical step: diversify foundry partners to ensure it can keep products in stock and production steady.
According to a report citing people familiar with the matter, Apple and Intel have been in serious discussions for more than a year and recently worked toward a more formal arrangement. While neither company has publicly confirmed which specific Apple chip Intel would produce, sources suggest the deal could involve the A21—positioning Intel as a manufacturing partner for chips that sit at the heart of Apple’s mainstream and entry-level devices.
This supply pressure has already shown up in the market. Apple recently raised MacBook Neo prices by $100, a notable jump from its $599 mainstream positioning. Because the A18 is shared across product categories—MacBook Neo and iPhone models—any shortage or constraint can ripple across Apple’s entire lineup. Adding Intel as a manufacturing option could help Apple reduce bottlenecks and maintain healthier inventory levels, especially for high-volume devices.
For Apple, the upside is straightforward: more flexibility, more supply security, and the ability to ship future Neo laptops in stronger quantities. For Intel, it’s an even bigger statement. Landing Apple—one of the world’s most demanding chip designers—as a potential foundry customer would be a high-profile confidence boost as Intel expands its contract manufacturing ambitions and pushes advanced packaging and process technologies.
The move also comes as MacBook Neo is increasingly viewed as a serious threat to traditional x86 laptops in the same price and performance segment. Intel has already responded with its Core Series 3 processors, codenamed Wildcat Lake, which are positioned as direct competitors and are built using Intel’s 18A process technology. Apple has not disclosed which Intel manufacturing node would be used for any future Apple chips, but industry speculation centers around Intel’s 18A-P and 14A as possibilities.
It’s also worth noting that Apple has been rumored to explore manufacturing capacity beyond TSMC before, including conversations with other major semiconductor players. So even with Intel now in the picture, Apple’s broader strategy likely remains the same: avoid overreliance on any single manufacturer, protect launch timelines, and ensure enough chip supply to meet demand—especially as competition for leading-edge fabrication continues to intensify.
If this preliminary agreement progresses into full production, it could mark one of the most significant shifts in Apple’s chip supply strategy in years, while giving Intel a major win in its push to become a top-tier global foundry partner.
