Apple may be gearing up to bring Intel back into its silicon pipeline, according to new predictions from supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a report shared on X, Kuo claims Intel has “significantly” improved its odds of becoming an advanced-node supplier for Apple, potentially marking the chipmaker’s return to Apple computers by 2027.
Kuo’s latest industry survey suggests Apple is now waiting on Intel to deliver the 1.0/1.1 PDK kit in early 2026. If development stays on schedule, Intel could begin producing Apple’s lowest-end M-series processors in the second or third quarter of 2027, using its 18AP node.
That would be a notable shift for Apple. The company currently relies entirely on TSMC to manufacture silicon for its iPhones, iPads, and Macs, and it famously chose not to use Intel chips for the original iPhone. A split-sourcing strategy, even if limited to entry-level M chips, would represent Apple’s biggest manufacturing change since the start of its M-series transition.
Kuo also believes this move could help Apple strengthen its “buy American” message under the Trump administration by adding a US-based chip supplier back into its chain.
For Intel, landing Apple as a customer again would be a symbolic and technical comeback after years of manufacturing setbacks. Kuo says a successful 18AP partnership could position Intel’s future 14A and beyond nodes to win more major clients.
For now, the entire forecast hinges on Intel’s ability to deliver the next PDK milestone on time. and on Apple deciding that a secondary supplier is worth the risk. But if the timeline holds, we may see Intel-built Apple silicon return to Macs for the first time in years, even if it’s just at the entry level.
Apple is heavily rumoured to be launching a more affordable version of its MacBook laptop, likely aimed at rivalling Chromebooks, in 2026, so this could give us an idea of what to expect from future versions of that.
