Apple chips from Intel: Smaller test production reportedly already underway
Apple and Intel cooperation on chips: Small-scale production reportedly underway, according to a well-known market observer.
Logos of Intel and Apple: A new partnership?
(Image: nikkimeel / Shutterstock.com)
For ten years, Apple has relied solely on TSMC from Taiwan for the production of iPhone processors. Although TSMC is currently trying to establish production in the USA, Apple desires more diversification – also for political reasons. A second partner has now apparently been found: it is said to be the old Mac processor supplier Intel. While the cooperation has not yet been officially confirmed, there are credible reports from Bloomberg and Wall Street Journal. Now, a well-known analyst is also commenting on the events: Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities from Taiwan has reportedly heard that Intel has now started a small trial production for various Apple chips. He is considered to be excellently networked in Apple's supply chain.
So far, it's only about older chips
In a first step, Apple has apparently made it rather easy for Intel: the production of legacy or low-end Apple Silicon chips is said to be the beginning. Intel is reportedly using a refined version of its current 18A manufacturing process, called 18A-P. Interesting: it is said to involve not only iPhone processors but also those for iPad and Mac. The "Small-Scale Testing" (Kuo) is starting now, with 80 percent iPhone chips planned, and the rest iPad and Mac, which corresponds to the current ratio in sales figures. After the tests this year, production is scheduled to ramp up in 2027 and be further expanded in 2028. In 2029, Apple could potentially reduce production again.
Kuo does not specify which concrete Apple Silicon chips Intel will produce first. However, Apple is also reportedly testing newer upcoming Intel processes. The scope of the first order is unclear so far. Intel is said to have set yield targets, meaning how many of the produced chips are actually functional, at 50 to 60 percent (or higher). However, TSMC is expected to remain by far the largest supplier, with Kuo speculating about 90 percent of the total demand.
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Apple has been seeking alternatives for years
Piquant: According to Kuo, Intel internally views the collaboration with Apple with mixed feelings at the moment. However, the stock market reacted positively to the reports for the former chip king of the x86 era. Kuo reiterated the information that Apple has been negotiating with Intel for a long time – reportedly well before the current supply problems at TSMC, which have triggered the high demand for lucrative AI chips.
Apple plans to establish Intel as an important supplier in the long term. However, it will take years for orders for advanced chips to land there, Kuo further states. Moreover, Apple is considered a very challenging customer with high demands. According to Kuo, TSMC will clearly remain number one for Apple Silicon in the coming years.
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