Apple may transfer M7 processor production to Intel

Apple may change the company that manufactures its proprietary processors. Usually, this is done by Taiwanese TSMC, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that the basic version of the future M7 chip may be produced at Intel's factories. This will utilize the new Intel 18AP technology, which is expected to be operational around 2027.

What is known

This will be the first time Apple will refuse the services of the Taiwanese giant in the production of the M series chips. However, as Kuo clarifies, this concerns only the basic M7 model. At the same time, the more productive versions, M7 Pro and M7 Max, will likely continue to be manufactured at the advanced 2-nanometer TSMC N2P or A18 node.

The M7 chip is expected to be used in new models of iPad, MacBook Air, and possibly in an updated version of the Vision Pro headset. This move by Apple may be part of a supplier diversification strategy, as well as a test for Intel's ambitions in the field of contract semiconductor manufacturing.

If the forecasts come true, Intel Foundry will acquire a major client for the first time. Apple will gain more opportunities and influence in the chip manufacturing market. Performance details of the M7 processor based on Intel 18AP will become known closer to the launch of the Panther Lake chips in 2026.

Source: Ming-Chi Kuo