Apple and Intel reportedly reach “preliminary” chipmaking agreement

Apple could soon become an Intel Foundry customer

According to a Wall Street Journal report, Apple has reached a “preliminary agreement” with Intel to manufacture some chips at Intel Foundry. This deal will see Apple become an Intel Foundry customer, a major breakthrough for Intel and its efforts to rival TSMC as a 3rd party chipmaker.

Apple and Intel have reportedly been in talks for more than a year, with a deal reached in recent months. Neither Apple nor Intel have confirmed the deal. It is currently unknown what silicon Apple wants to fab with Intel.

Apple and Intel have reached a preliminary agreement for Intel to manufacture some of the chips that power Apple devices, according to people familiar with the matter.

– Wall Street Journal

Last year, reports indicated that Intel planned to start shipping low-end M-series processors for Apple as early as 2027. These processors will reportedly use Intel’s 18AP technology, an improved version of the 18A node.

Recently, Intel confirmed that 18AP could deliver 9% performance gains at ISO-power or 18% lower power at ISO-performance compared with 18A. Intel has also confirmed that this node will have both high-density (HD) and High-performance (HP) libraries for its users. The node also features “reduced thermal resistance for improved heat conduction”. This should make 18AP chips easier to cool.

Securing Apple as a customer will legitimise Intel’s Foundry efforts and might help Intel secure more customers. Apple gains a new US-based supplier, and Intel gains a vital foothold in the 3rd party foundry business. If Intel can create good enough chips with strong yields, this deal will be a win-win for both companies.

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