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.
In January, The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple was exploring whether some of its lower-end processors could be manufactured by a company other than TSMC.
"Now that TSMC is doing more business with Nvidia and other AI companies, people with knowledge of the chip supply chain said Apple was exploring whether some lower-end processors could be made by someone other than TSMC," the report said.
The Wall Street Journal did not mention any specific chipmakers, but Bloomberg this week reported that Apple is considering having Intel and Samsung produce the main processors for at least some of its devices in the U.S., which would help to alleviate the supply constraints it is encountering with TSMC in Taiwan.
Intel could begin supplying some Apple processors in 2027 or 2028, according to analysts.
In January, GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu said he expected Intel to reach a chip supply deal with Apple for at least some non-pro iPhone models starting in 2028.
Apple's return to Intel might also involve some Mac and iPad chips. Last year, Tianfeng Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said he expected Intel to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip for select Mac and iPad models as early as mid-2027. For this, Kuo said Apple planned to utilize Intel's 18A process. He did not mention the iPhone.
Just this week, Creative Strategies analyst Ben Bajarin said "we think Apple is much farther along than just 'discussions' with Intel on foundry."
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.
A rekindled partnership with Intel would help Apple to diversify its supply chain, and it could also win favor with the Trump administration.
In any case, TSMC is expected to remain Apple's primary chipmaker for the foreseeable future.
