Recent reports suggest that Apple may be considering a collaboration with Intel to manufacture the A20 chip for the iPhone 18, a significant shift from its long-standing reliance on TSMC for chip production. This potential partnership could represent a pivotal change in Apple’s chip supply chain.
According to TechPowerup, a leak has indicated that Apple is exploring the use of Intel’s 20A (2nm) process for the A20 chip, which is anticipated to debut in 2026. In contrast, the upcoming iPhone 17, set to launch in 2025, will utilize the A19 chip, produced by TSMC using their N3P manufacturing process. The A18 and A18 Pro chips, introduced in September 2024, were also developed by TSMC, leveraging their N3E process.
While the collaboration with Intel could offer new opportunities, some industry experts have raised concerns about Intel’s ability to meet Apple’s stringent performance standards, particularly in light of Intel’s recent challenges in transitioning their process technology. This has led to scenarios where Intel had to enlist TSMC’s help to produce their Arrow Lake CPU line.
Conversely, other analysts suggest that Apple may choose to continue its partnership with TSMC, leveraging its upcoming 2nm process for the A20 chip. Maintaining a strong and stable supply chain with a trusted partner like TSMC could be seen as a safer option for Apple.
Additionally, broader political and market dynamics could influence Apple’s decision. With increasing governmental support for domestic semiconductor production in the U.S., companies like Apple, NVIDIA, AMD, and Qualcomm may be incentivized to explore local manufacturing options. This shift could benefit Intel, which operates significant chip production facilities within the United States.
As the launch of the iPhone 18 is still two years away, the landscape for Apple’s chip strategy remains fluid. If the rumored collaboration with Intel materializes, it could represent a significant turning point for Apple. Conversely, if Apple opts to maintain its partnership with TSMC, these discussions may fade into the background as just another development in the fast-evolving tech sector.
