What happened? While Apple and Intel severed ties a long time ago, things could look different in the near future. A new leak from Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Intel could potentially return to the Apple world. Not as a CPU designer, but as a chip foundry for Apple’s low-end M-series silicon. This isn’t a throwback to Intel-powered MacBooks; Instead, Intel would simply make chips that Apple develops. If all goes well, Intel could even start shipping these chips in mid-2027.
- The plan calls for using Intel’s 18AP process node to produce Apple’s entry-level M-series chips (probably for MacBook Air/base iPads).
- Apple still retains control over chip design and architecture, only manufacturing is shifting.
- Intel is expected to deliver initial batch samples after Apple receives the 18AP design kit (likely in the first quarter of 2026), with mass shipments possibly beginning in mid-to-late 2027.
- Apple’s existing high-end chips (Pro/Max/Ultra) are expected to continue to be manufactured by TSMC, meaning the shift only affects the entry-level segment.
Why this is important: This rumor could signal a significant shift in Apple’s supply chain strategy and will concern anyone who cares about availability, pricing, and local production. If Apple truly works with Intel as a secondary chipmaker, the company will become less dependent on TSMC and Taiwan. For anyone waiting for entry-level MacBook Airs or basic iPads, that could mean steadier inventory, fewer surprise delays, and perhaps even US-focused production runs that ensure shelves are filled more evenly.
Then there’s the whole “Made in the USA” aspect. Intel makes chips on U.S. soil, and if Apple goes along with it, everything from taxes to shipping timelines could change. For you as a buyer, this could mean subtle but real changes: price differences, different launch windows depending on region, and even two versions of the same MacBook (one from TSMC, one from Intel). Long story short: In 2027, checking which manufacturer built the chip in your laptop could be as common as checking memory or RAM today.
Why should I care? If you’ve been hesitant about buying an entry-level MacBook or waiting for better deals, this rumor is a gentle nudge to keep watching. Two things could happen: inventory stabilization or small price changes depending on where Apple wants to produce. If you value long-term support, regional availability, or want your Mac to be manufactured in a US factory, this could be the start of something new.
However, if you’re a developer or value consistency in performance, chips from two sources could be important: made-to-order variations, shipping dates, and perhaps even minor differences. However, if you love the benefits of Apple Silicon and simply want to have a Mac soon, there’s no need to hesitate. According to rumors, this may only affect lower-end models, and the real changes may not come until 2027.
Okay, what’s next? Right now it’s a waiting game. Intel’s design kit for Apple isn’t expected until early 2026. So don’t expect any sudden changes in the current Mac lineup. If you’re planning on buying a Mac soon, there’s no need to wait as these changes won’t be available until 2027 at the earliest. But if you like the idea of a US-made chip or want to see how dual sourcing affects pricing, it might be worth keeping an eye on how this story develops over the next year.
