Apple may be preparing to restore its relationship with Intel in a completely different way. Apple's low-end M-series chip line is expected to start production by mid-2027, says Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at Ming-Chi Kuo.
According to analyst Kuo, Apple plans to use Intel's 18A process, described as the first under-2 nm process ever produced in North America. If this is correct, Intel could manufacture the M6 or M7 chips for devices like the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad Pro in the future.
However, unlike before 2020, Intel will not design chips for Macs anymore. The M-series chip continues to be designed by Apple itself while Intel only plays a production role. TSMC will remain the main supplier for most of the M-series chips.
If this cooperation becomes a reality, this will be an interesting event. For Apple, the goal is to strengthen the supply chain and keep the pace of M-series chip innovation. For Intel, this could be an opportunity to regain their position in the semiconductor sector after years of lack of steam ahead of TSMC and Samsung. It all depends on developments in the coming years, but it is clear that the global semiconductor industry is entering an unprecedented period of competition and restructuring.
