It’s been years since Apple moved away from Intel chips, but a surprising twist might be coming. According to a new prediction from supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Intel could end up supplying Apple with entry-level M-series processors as soon as 2027.
If true, this would be one of the most unexpected full-circle moments in Apple’s silicon history.
Kuo’s Prediction
On X Friday, Kuo said his latest industry checks show that Intel’s chances of becoming Apple’s newest “advanced-node supplier… has improved significantly.” That alone is a big deal — especially since Intel famously failed to win the processor slot for the original iPhone.
Right now, Apple relies almost entirely on TSMC to manufacture the chips inside iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Bringing Intel into the mix would be a major strategic shift.
The NDA and Intel’s 18AP Chips
According to Kuo, Apple already has an NDA with Intel to acquire the company’s 18AP PDK 0.9.1GA chips. The next major milestone is the PDK 1.0/1.1 kit, which Intel is expected to deliver in the first quarter of 2026.
If everything goes smoothly:
- Intel could begin shipping Apple’s lowest-end M-series processor
- Built on the 18AP advanced node
- Arriving sometime in Q2 or Q3 of 2027
Kuo cautions that timing still depends on how Apple’s workflow progresses once those PDK 1.0/1.1 kits actually arrive.
Why Apple Might Say Yes
Kuo also points out a bigger political angle: a partnership could help Apple show the Trump administration that it’s serious about “buying American” by increasing its reliance on US-based chip suppliers.
For Intel, the stakes are just as high. Securing Apple as a customer again could signal a genuine turnaround. As Kuo writes:
“Looking ahead, the 14A node and beyond could capture more orders from Apple and other tier-one customers, turning Intel’s long-term outlook more positive.”
If that happens, Intel’s comeback story suddenly looks a lot more real.
What Happens If Apple Uses Intel’s 18AP Processors?
If Apple brings Intel back into the M-series lineup, even for the lowest-tier chips, it would be a massive shift in how Apple sources its silicon. It wouldn’t replace TSMC, but it could diversify manufacturing, reduce supply-chain risk, and potentially strengthen Apple’s political footing in the US.
The big question now:
Will Apple actually make the leap?
And if it does, what does a hybrid TSMC-Intel future for the Mac even look like?
We’ll find out as 2026 approaches, and as Intel proves whether its newest fabrication tech is finally ready for Apple-level expectations.
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