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Intel (INTC) is jumping sharply higher after analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported on X that Apple (AAPL) may begin sourcing its lowest-end M-series processors from INTC as early as 2027. The potential partnership would initially focus on AAPL’s most affordable MacBook and iPad models, where the lower-power M chips currently rely entirely on Taiwan Semi Manufacturing (TSM).

• Kuo notes that AAPL has already obtained INTC’s 18A-P process design kit and is in the simulation and research phase - an early but meaningful signal that AAPL is seriously evaluating INTC’s next-gen node.
• Beyond the commercial upside, such a partnership would align closely with President Trump’s “Made in the USA” agenda, potentially giving AAPL political cover to diversify chip production toward domestic manufacturing.
• AAPL’s engagement with the 18A-P design kit suggests traction for INTC’s advanced node roadmap, while eventual moves to the 14Z node could expand orders from AAPL and other large customers.
• INTC’s Foundry business badly needs momentum - 3Q25 revenue fell 2% yr/yr to $4.2 bln and the unit posted a $(2.3) bln operating loss - making AAPL’s interest a major validation of its turnaround efforts.
• INTC’s new strategic partnership with NVIDIA (NVDA) further strengthens its credibility, giving the company access to high-volume leading-edge production and positioning it to close some of the technology and capacity gap with TSM.
• Winning any portion of AAPL Silicon would meaningfully boost utilization, fixed-cost absorption, and long-term profitability for INTC’s Foundry unit, while posing a competitive threat to TSM’s dominance.

Briefing.com Analyst Insight:

INTC’s pursuit of foundry relevance has been an uphill battle, but AAPL’s early testing of the 18A-P node marks its most important milestone yet. AAPL is notoriously selective with manufacturing partners, especially for cutting-edge silicon, so even the possibility of partial M-series outsourcing provides a strong signal that INTC’s process roadmap is stabilizing. Combined with INTC’s deepening ties to NVDA, the company is starting to look like a more viable second source for advanced chips - something the industry has wanted for years to reduce reliance on TSM. The financial implications could be significant: AAPL is one of the world’s largest chip customers, and even low-end M-series volumes would lift INTL’s Foundry utilization while giving it a foothold to chase higher-margin nodes later this decade. For TSM, AAPL's exploration introduces a long-term competitive risk, though any meaningful production shift remains several years away.