Intel is expected to secure Apple chip orders
Intel is expected to become the main foundry for Apple's chips, with analyst Jeff Pu reaffirming this prediction, believing that Intel's 14A process is key to securing Apple orders. It is anticipated that Apple will officially adopt this technology between 2026 and 2027. Intel's improved execution capabilities lay the foundation for potential orders, and although TSMC is currently Apple's sole chip manufacturer, Apple is seeking to diversify its supply chain to reduce risks
GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu reiterated his previous prediction that Intel will make Apple its primary customer for its upcoming foundry business. In a research report seen by iClarified, the analyst pointed out that the steady advancement of Intel's next-generation manufacturing process is a key driver for potentially securing Apple orders in the future.
The report highlights that Intel has released its advanced 14A process node's 0.5 process design kit (PDK). Pu expects customers to officially confirm the adoption of this technology between the second half of 2026 and the first half of 2027. He reiterated his expectation of a sufficient reserve of external customers for the 14A process, listing potential partners such as Apple, NVIDIA, and AMD.
This aligns with the company's previous analysis. As early as last December, Pu predicted that Intel is likely to win orders for non-Pro series iPhone chips with the 14A process before 2028. The company noted that Intel's execution capabilities have improved, laying the groundwork for these potential orders.
Before the launch of the 14A process, Intel is focusing on its 18A process. The report indicates that the yield rate of the 18A process is steadily improving and is expected to approach 70% by the first quarter of 2026.
Other analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, have previously reported that Intel may start delivering low-end M series chips for Apple using the 18A process as early as 2027. While TSMC is currently the sole manufacturer of Apple's custom chips (including the upcoming 2nm A20 chip), it has been reported that Apple has been seeking to diversify its supply chain to mitigate geopolitical risks and control rising costs.
Intel is actively modernizing its factories, making it a potential second supplier for the iPhone manufacturer.
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