Despite the fact that all Macs now run on Apple-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way.
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Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuosaid today that Intel is expected to start shipping Apple's lower-end M-series chips as early as mid-2027.
If this rumor proves to be accurate, Intel could supply Apple with the M6 or M7 chip for at least a future MacBook Air. However, while Intel's previous chips for Macs were designed by Intel and based on the x86 architecture, the M-series chips are designed by Apple and use the Arm architecture. Intel would simply take on a portion of the manufacturing.
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TSMC will continue to supply the majority of Apple's M-series chips.
Kuo said that Apple's choice to have Intel supply the lower-end M-series chips would satisfy the Trump administration's desire for "Made in USA" products and would also help Apple diversify its manufacturing supply chain.
See also: Qualcomm focuses on Android – Moving away from Apple
Apple began switching from Intel processors to Macs in 2020, and its own M-series chips continue to deliver industry-leading performance per watt.
