Intel Has The Opportunity To Create IPhone Chips For Apple

Intel is said to be a chip fabrication partner for Apple in 2028. (photo: x @cultofmac)

JAKARTA - A recent report raises the possibility of major changes in Apple's supply chain. For the first time in iPhone history, Intel is said to be a chip fabrication partner for Apple in 2028. This rumor comes amid major changes that are taking place in the semiconductor industry as well as efforts by the two companies to adapt to global market pressure.

In a research note released by GF Securities on December 5, 2025, analyst Jeff Pu argued that Intel has the potential to acquire a portion of iPhone chip production, especially for non-Pro models starting from the A22 series.

The chips are expected to be used on the iPhone 20 and iPhone 20e. According to MacRumors reports, Intel is approaching an agreement with Apple to get a small but significant portion of iPhone silicon production.

Pu assessed that Intel's roadmap development showed a fairly strong increase, especially with the development of a new fabrication process of 14A. Meanwhile, Apple is increasingly interested in expanding its manufacturing base in order to reduce the risk of dependence on one supplier.

TSMC has for years been the main supplier of Apple's chips, particularly for the most advanced fabrication processes. The reliability of TSMC in producing high performance and energy efficiency has always been consistent. But the global pandemic several years ago opened Apple's eyes that relying on one region and one supplier is a big risk.

logistical disruptions in Asia had influenced Apple's device production schedule, and that was what prompted the company to expand its assembly line to India, Vietnam, and look for a more close fabrication option with North America.

Intel is a relevant candidate because it has a large production capacity in the United States. The presence of domestic facilities provides Apple with strategic benefits in the context of geopolitical and logistics, including minimizing the risk of delays due to transcontinental shipments or tensions in East Asia.

Intel itself is very interested in getting Apple as a client, after its reputation wavered several years ago due to delays in developing the technology process that left it lagging behind TSMC.

Over the past two years, Intel has invested large funds to develop the 18A and 14A processes to catch up. Getting Apple as a customer can be an important validation that Intel is actually entering a recovery path.

This was also reinforced by a report by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo who said that Intel was already scheduled to produce Apple's low-end M series chip in mid-2027 using the 18A process. Apple is known to always test the stability and yield of a factory with a low-risk chip before entrusting key components such as iPhone chips.

If the results are satisfactory, Intel could earn greater rations for basic-level iPhone chip production and maybe even more than that. But Apple's approach remains cautious.

The company's strategy relies heavily on the success of many parties as well as starting from TSMC Arizona which is increasing capacity, Texas Instruments that supply important analog components, to fabrication diversification efforts driven by US government policies.

Tariffs, subsidies, and political pressures to increase domestic chip production have also formed Apple's decision.

In that context, Intel is not a substitute for TSMC, but one of the elements of Apple's great strategy to reduce the risk of supply chains. Apple maintains a great commitment to TSMC's expansion in Arizona, which is expected to supply millions of new generation chips once the facility is fully operational.

Similarly, Texas Instruments plants in Texas play a vital role in supplying analog chips and power management, a small but important component that can drop the entire production schedule if it experiences deficiencies.

Apple's "Intel" cooperation potential also brings historical irony. Until 2020, Apple used an Intel processor in the Mac lineup before finally turning entirely to Apple Silicon. Now, the relationship between the two can develop in completely different directions, not about processor design anymore, but about Intel's capacity as a chipmaker for Apple's most important devices: iPhone.

If the realization of this collaboration goes according to analysts' predictions, the impact will be widespread on Apple's long-term roadmap. The iPhone is the backbone of the company's business with hundreds of millions of units shipped annually.

Minor disruptions in the fabrication process can cause global shortages. Increasing production capacity through Intel will help Apple reduce this risk while increasing the company's bargaining position when negotiating with TSMC.

In the end, Intel may get a great opportunity, but its role remains part of a broader mosaic in Apple's diversification strategy. The already running investment with TSMC and Texas Instruments remains the main foundation, while Intel comes as an important complement to Apple's supply chain future.