2027 Apple MacBook Air, iPad Pro could be powered by Intel chips

Apple severed ties with Intel years ago to forge its own path with custom silicon, but new reports suggest the two tech giants might be planning a surprise reunion. According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the Cupertino company is exploring a partnership that would see Intel play a crucial role in the production of future Apple devices.

While the days of Intel processors powering Macs are likely over, this potential deal focuses on a different aspect of chip creation. Here is what the latest leak reveals about this unexpected collaboration.

2027 MacBook Air, iPad Pro may feature Intel chip

According to Kuo, Intel could begin manufacturing Apple’s entry-level M-series chips as early as 2027. Unlike the previous partnership, where Intel designed the processors, this arrangement would strictly involve Intel’s foundry services, manufacturing chips designed by Apple.

Kuo states that Apple has signed a non-disclosure agreement to evaluate Intel’s 18A manufacturing process, specifically the 18AP node, which is a sub-2nm technology. If the testing phase using the initial design kits proves successful, Intel might be tasked with producing M-series chips for high-volume devices like the MacBook Air and iPad Pro arriving in 2027.

However, this does not mean a total shift away from current partners. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is expected to remain the primary supplier for high-end silicon, ensuring Apple maintains its performance edge while adding a secondary manufacturing option.

Strategic and political reasons

Beyond technical specifications, this move appears to have significant geopolitical drivers. Kuo suggests that sourcing chips from Intel’s US-based foundries would help Apple align with the Trump administration’s push for domestic manufacturing.

A “Made in USA” label on core components could offer political leverage and supply chain security. For Intel, securing Apple as a flagship client would be a massive victory for its struggling foundry division, which currently aims to break even by 2027.

This potential partnership allows Apple to effectively diversify its supply chain, reducing reliance on a single manufacturer while giving Intel a chance to prove its new fabrication nodes can compete on the global stage.

ALSO READ: Android Quick Share now works with Apple AirDrop, allowing seamless file sharing

Stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for all the latest news about Apple.