TSMC has been the exclusive supplier of Apple's systems-on-a-chip since 2016, but that 10-year streak could be nearing its end.

[Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said](https://x.com/mingchikuo/status/2054987772289810884) that Intel has "kicked off" small-scale testing of lower-end iPhone, iPad, and Mac chip fabrication, with production expected to ramp up throughout 2027 and 2028. Kuo did not indicate exactly which of Apple's A-series and/or M-series chips would be manufactured by Intel.

Apple is utilizing Intel's 18A process for these chips, and it is evaluating Intel's other advanced-node technologies, according to Kuo.

By sourcing chips from two suppliers, Apple can negotiate lower costs and bolster supply. In this case, Apple rekindling a partnership with Intel could win it favor with the Trump administration, which wants more U.S. manufacturing. However, Kuo said Taiwan's TSMC will remain responsible for more than 90% of Apple's chip supply.

There is no indication that Intel would play a role in designing the iPhone chips, with its involvement expected to be strictly limited to fabrication. That would differ from the era of Intel Macs, which used Intel-designed processors with x86 architecture. Apple began transitioning away from Intel processors in Macs in 2020.

All in all, these would be Apple-designed chips manufactured by Intel in the U.S., for use in some lower-end iPhone, iPad, and Mac models.

Apple's potential return to Intel has been [reported by numerous sources](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/08/apple-intel-preliminary-chip-deal/) by this point, but an official announcement has still yet to be made.Tags: [Intel](https://www.macrumors.com/guide/intel/), [Ming-Chi Kuo](https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ming-chi-kuo/)

This article, "[Report: Intel is Testing Production of Some iPhone, iPad, and Mac Chips](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/14/kuo-intel-iphone-ipad-mac-chips/)" first appeared on [MacRumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com)

[Discuss this article](https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/report-intel-is-testing-production-of-some-iphone-ipad-and-mac-chips.2482374/) in our forums