Intel expected to secure 18AP orders from Apple for M-series CPUs
Apple is expected to adopt Intel 18AP technology for future M-series Silicon
Rumour has it that Intel could soon become a silicon supplier for Apple, with Apple using Intel’s fabs to create some of its future M-series processors. This follows last month’s reporting that Intel has secured 18A/18AP orders from Microsoft. This could be a major turning point for Intel as a silicon foundry, seeing it gain orders from major 3rd parties.
Apple is reportedly planning to create a low-end M-series processor using Intel’s 18AP technology. Shipping for this processor could start in 2027. The processor will reportedly power MacBook Air and iPad Pro devices. However, these chip orders aren’t expected to have a material impact on Apple’s silicon orders from TSMC.
If these orders go ahead and Intel delivers performant, efficient silicon, Apple could consider Intel’s next-generation 14A node for future, higher-end chips.
Intel expected to begin shipping Apple’s lowest-end M processor as early as 2027
There have long been market rumors that Intel could become an advanced-node foundry supplier to Apple, but visibility around this had remained low. My latest industry surveys, however, indicate that…
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) November 28, 2025
Apple using Intel Foundry silicon is a big deal
Earlier this year, the US Government acquired a 10% stake in Intel, and there has been a drive to bring semiconductor manufacturing onto US soil. While TSMC can build chips in the US through TSMC Arizona, Intel can build CPUs within the US using US IP and US technology. Thanks to its government backing, Intel’s lithography technology is attracting greater interest from potential customers.
Any orders from an external customer are good for Intel. It gives Intel much-needed experience in the 3rd-party foundry market and highlights its technological prowess. If Intel can continue securing high-profile customers, its future outlook will improve significantly.
You can join the discussion on Intel reportedly securing 18AP orders from Apple on the OC3D Forums.
