Summary
- Apple plans to seek other chip making vendors for low-end iPhine chips, possibly non-Pro iPhone models.
- Early leaks point to Intel as the vendor with its 4A node chips for iPhones.
- The first Intel-powered iPhone could arrive in 2028.
When it comes to Apple Silicon, the Taiwan-based semiconductor brand TSMC has been the exclusive supplier of iPhone processors since 2014. It has managed to churn out impressive SoCs for the past 12 years, even setting a new benchmark for the competitors. Now, it looks like this long streak will end as Apple is eyeing other vendors for some iPhone chips.
Apple could shift low-end iPhone chip production outside of TSMC's house
As per The Wall Street Journal, Apple is considering other semiconductor vendors for low-end iPhone processors. This is reportedly done to diversify the Cupertino brand's supply chain, amidst the rise of TSMC's business with Nvidia and other AI companies.
While the report has not mentioned which brand Apple is eyeing, early speculations hint at Intel. The possibility of Intel-made iPhone and Mac processors surfaced in December 2025. It was said to be responsible for non-Pro iPhones going forward and Apple's first budget MacBook.
However, Intel will only be responsible for fabricating the chipsets, with core architecture design happening in-house. Moreover, this transition is not happening anytime soon. Reports suggest that Apple iPhones like the iPhone 20 and iPhone 20e will become the first Intel-powered smartphones in 2028.
As per analyst Jeff Pu, Apple will make use of Intel's future transistor tech and lithography process, 14A. We could see this new fabrication node live with either the Apple A21 or A22 processor. Also, this partnership is expected to extend towards the first-ever affordable MacBook, reportedly launching in Q3 2026.
Hence, it is clear that with AI chips and NAND memory demand on the rise, Apple is eyeing multiple supply chain sources to keep costs in check. The brand is expected to bring almost negligible to minimal price hike for the iPhone 18 series. Tim Cook recently revealed that rising RAM costs didn't have much effect in Q4 2025. However, he expects margins to take a hit this year. This could also be a reason why the iPhone 18 is reportedly delayed till 2027.
Source
The Wall Street Journal
