Intel is rumored to manufacture iPhone chips starting in 2028, extending a partnership already expected to cover Mac and iPad processors. However, this isn’t a return to Intel-designed chips—Apple retains complete design control while Intel handles fabrication only.
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Intel iPhone Chip Manufacturing Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Date | 2028 (estimated) |
| Target Chips | A22 for non-Pro iPhones |
| Target Models | iPhone 20, iPhone 20e |
| Process Node | Intel 14A fabrication |
| Design | Apple-designed, Arm architecture |
| Role | Manufacturing only (not design) |
| Mac/iPad Timeline | Mid-2027 with 18A process |
Apple Retains Full Chip Design Control
Analyst Jeff Pu reports that Intel will manufacture Apple-designed A22 chips for non-Pro iPhone models around 2028 using Intel’s 14A process. Critically, Intel’s involvement is strictly limited to fabrication—Apple continues designing all iPhone processors using Arm architecture.
This differs fundamentally from the Intel-Mac era when Intel both designed and manufactured processors using x86 architecture. Apple was dependent on Intel’s innovation roadmap, often experiencing delays that frustrated product launches documented in Mac hardware history.
The new arrangement positions Intel as a secondary manufacturer alongside primary chipmaker TSMC, diversifying Apple’s supply chain while maintaining complete design autonomy—a strategic advantage emphasized in Apple’s silicon transition strategy.
Mac and iPad Chips Coming First
Intel will begin shipping Apple’s lowest-end M-series chips for MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models as early as mid-2027, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This initial partnership uses Intel’s 18A process—the earliest sub-2nm advanced node manufactured in North America.
The gradual rollout suggests Apple is testing Intel’s manufacturing capabilities with lower-volume Mac/iPad chips before trusting them with high-volume iPhone production. This cautious approach reflects lessons learned from past supply chain challenges discussed in semiconductor industry analyses.
Why Intel Manufacturing Makes Sense
Supply Chain Diversification: Reducing dependence on TSMC amid geopolitical tensions around Taiwan manufacturing—a concern highlighted in recent technology supply chain reports.
American Manufacturing: Boosting reliance on U.S.-based production aligns with domestic manufacturing priorities and potential regulatory incentives.
Competitive Pricing: Intel’s aggressive foundry expansion creates manufacturing capacity competition, potentially reducing Apple’s per-chip costs.
Intel previously supplied cellular modems for iPhone 7 through iPhone 11, establishing a working relationship before Apple developed in-house modem technology.
