Five years after Apple famously broke up with Intel to design its own revolutionary M-series chips, the tech giant may be rekindling the relationship—but this time, with a twist. Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports Intel could start manufacturing Apple’s M-series processors by 2027, though Apple would retain full control over chip design while Intel handles production.The chipmaker could begin producing Apple’s lowest-end M-series processors using its 18AP advanced manufacturing process as early as the second or third quarter of 2027, Kuo revealed in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The Intel-made Apple Silicon would likely power the upcoming MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models, with expected production volumes between 15-20 million units.

Unlike the previous relationship where Intel designed x86-based processors for Macs, this partnership would see Intel solely manufacturing Apple-designed ARM-based chips. Taiwan-based TSMC would continue supplying the majority of Apple’s chips, including higher-end variants and iPhone processors.

Appeasing the Trump administration’s ‘Made in USA’ push

The deal could help Apple demonstrate its commitment to buying American by incorporating more US-based companies into its supply chain, Kuo theorised. Bloomberg reported in September that Intel approached Apple about securing an investment as part of its turnaround efforts, with Apple CEO Tim Cook previously telling CNBC the company would “love to see Intel come back”.The US government acquired approximately 10% of Intel in an August deal brokered by the Trump administration, positioning the chipmaker as critical to domestic semiconductor production.

While TSMC remains Apple’s primary chip supplier, diversifying manufacturing sources addresses supply chain management requirements, according to Kuo. This strategic move would provide Apple with a backup option for its entry-level processors.Apple has already signed a non-disclosure agreement with Intel and obtained preliminary design specifications, with key development milestones tracking as expected. The company awaits Intel’s updated design kit scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.For Intel, landing Apple as a foundry client would validate its turnaround efforts and potentially attract other premium customers. For Apple, it’s calculated risk management wrapped in political optics—keeping options open while maintaining technological leadership.