Will Apple turn to Intel for production of its M-series chips in 2027? That’s what supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted on Friday. Citing his latest industry surveys, Kuo says Intel’s chances of becoming Apple’s latest “advanced-node supplier… have improved significantly” in recent weeks.
Kuo says Apple has entered into a non-disclosure agreement with Intel for the acquisition of the company’s 18AP PDK 0.9.1GA chips. At this point, the company is waiting for Intel to deliver the PDK 1.0/1.1 kit, which is scheduled to arrive in the first quarter of 2026. If all goes well, Intel could begin shipping Apple’s lowest-end M-series processors, built on the 18AP advanced node, in the second or third quarter of 2027, Kuo says. But that timing still depends on how smoothly things go once Apple actually gets the PDK 1.0/1.1 kit.
Kuo believes a deal with Intel could help Apple demonstrate to the Trump administration that it is committed to “Buy American” by rearranging its supply chain to include more US-based companies. For Intel, a deal could signal that the company’s worst days are behind it. “Looking ahead, the 14A node and beyond could lead to more orders from Apple and other tier-one customers, making Intel’s long-term outlook more positive,” Kuo writes.
Could Apple reach a deal with Intel? And what if it decides to use the chipmaker’s 18AP processors for its entry-level M-series?
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