While all Macs are now powered by Apple’s custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way.
Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple’s lowest-end M-series chip as early as 2027.
If this rumor proves to be accurate, Intel could supply Apple with the M6 or M7 chip for a future MacBook Air, at a minimum. However, while previous Intel chips for Macs were designed by Intel and based on x86 architecture, M-series chips are designed by Apple and use Arm architecture. Intel would merely help with a portion of manufacturing.
TSMC would continue to supply the majority of Apple’s M-series chips.
Kuo said that Apple choosing to have Intel supply its lowest-end M-series chip would appease the Trump administration’s desire for “Made in USA” products, and it would also help Apple to diversify its supply chain for manufacturing.
This article, “Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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