Apple is considering Intel as its future M7 core chip manufacturer, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports. For this option, the company can completely refuse TSMC's services.
According to Kuo, the regular version of the M7 – the one for the MacBook Air, the upcoming iPad, and perhaps the more affordable version of the Vision Pro headset – could be manufactured using Intel's 18A process. A special edition will be created for Apple – 18AP. Mass production is expected only in 2027.
At the same time, Apple still plans to order more powerful models – M7 Pro and M7 Max – from TSMC, using N2P technology or the improved A18 process.
For Intel, the contract with Apple could be a huge success. Now the manufacturer is trying to regain its position after years of delays and lost customers. The Apple name could also attract other customers looking for an alternative to TSMC.
