Is Apple Bringing Intel Back for MacBooks in 2027? (Wait, What?)

Sunday, 30 November 2025 at 06:46

Hold on to your hats. You know the story: Apple dumped Intel years ago. Started making the amazing M-series chips with TSMC. End of story, right? Wrong. Super-reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that might change as soon as 2027.

Apple is planning a reunion. But it's bizarre.

The Twist: Intel Only Makes the Chip

Here’s the massive difference—and it's crucial. Apple isn't switching back to Intel’s old x86 processors. No way.

Apple will still design the M-series chip (based on ARM, obviously). Intel will just manufacture it. That’s it. They’re becoming a factory, trying to compete with TSMC.

Who gets the chips? The lowest-end stuff. Think MacBook Air. iPad Air. Maybe the entry-level iPad Pro. We're talking M6 or M7 chips around 2027.
The Process: Intel is pulling out all the stops, using their shiny new 18A process. They claim it’s the best "sub-2 nm" node built in North America.

Why the Heck is Apple Doing This?

It's not about speed. It’s not about innovation. It’s purely strategic—and maybe a little political.

Ditch the Monopoly: Apple hates relying on one single supplier (TSMC). If anything happens to TSMC, Apple is dead in the water. Diversification is necessary.
"Made in America": The company can look good for the US government. Slap that label on it. Smart politics.

TSMC will be fine. They still get all the profitable, high-volume orders—the iPhone A-series. The fastest chips (M Pro, Max, Ultra). This is just table scraps for Intel, but huge validation for their foundries.

But Are We Supposed to Trust Intel?

I’m still nervous. You should be too.

Intel has had rough years. Lots of production delays. They’ve even had to beg TSMC to build their own chips!

The big, scary question: Can Intel deliver the perfection Apple demands? The M-series reputation is flawless. Apple won't tolerate inferior chips. This is Intel's ultimate job interview. Let’s see if they choke.

Key Takeaways

Partnership Twist: Apple is rumored to partner with Intel to manufacture its entry-level M-series chips (like the M6 or M7) starting as early as mid-2027.
Not x86: Intel will only act as a foundry, producing Apple-designed ARM-based M-series chips, not its own x86 processors.
Strategic Reasons: The move is driven by Apple's desire to diversify its supply chain away from TSMC and support the "Made in America" push.
Technology: The chips would be manufactured using Intel’s cutting-edge 18A process (a sub-2 nm class node).
Impact: TSMC will retain the highly profitable Pro, Max, Ultra M-chips, and all iPhone A-series chips, minimizing the financial impact on them.