(Image source from: Hindustantimes.com)

Apple is expected to return to Intel for making its basic M-series chips by 2027. According to the source, the chip manufacturer located in Santa Clara, California, is likely to start producing Apple’s lower-tier M-series processors, which are used in gadgets like the MacBook Air and budget-friendly iPads, if the production timeline stays on track. It has been reported that the technology company from Cupertino and Intel have entered into a non-disclosure agreement regarding their collaboration, allowing Intel access to Apple's 18AP process development kit. In a message on X, previously known as Twitter, supply-chain expert Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned that Intel is projected to start large-scale production of Apple's basic M-series chips in 2027. This potential move would represent a change from Apple's current arrangement, where it only uses TSMC for all its M-series system on chip (SoC). The analyst noted that Intel is collaborating with Apple on the 18AP process node, which is part of Intel’s future advanced manufacturing technologies. Kuo also stated that the relevant versions of the process design kit (PDK) 1.0 and 1.1 are anticipated to be ready by the start of 2026. The chips in question are expected to be the basic M-series processors, which are generally used in devices like the MacBook Air and budget iPads.

These gadgets make up a large portion of Apple's consumer laptop and tablet shipments, which means the entry-level M category is important in terms of quantity, even if it is not too complex technologically, according to the source. Intel is expected to provide between 15 million and 20 million units of these chips each year starting in 2027. Interestingly, if this information is accurate, it would indicate a rare change for Apple. The company officially stopped depending on Intel processors for its Mac devices in 2020 when it fully switched to its own Apple Silicon. At present, the tech giant counts on TSMC to create processors (designed in-house) for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Intel's 18AP node is said to be part of Intel's larger goal to broaden its foundry services and directly compete with TSMC and Samsung. While the technology is still being developed, according to the tipster, it might begin mass production by the middle to late 2027.