Apple has begun testing Intel’s 18A-P manufacturing process for producing systems-on-chip (SoCs) targeting input devices and legacy models. The move marks a historic return in the relationship between the two technology giants, which ended in 2020 with the transition to Apple Silicon. Segundo the Ming-Chi Kuo analyst, the experimental phase focuses on components for iPhones, iPads and Macs that do not require the cutting-edge performance of newer generations.
The strategy aims to diversify the supply chain and reduce the concentration of orders at Taiwan’s TSMC. Atualmente, Apple relies almost entirely on Taiwan fabs for its high-performance chips. The Estados Unidos government, which holds a 10% stake in Intel, would have encouraged the resumption of the commercial partnership between American companies.
Cronograma production and delivery of new components
Intel plans to dedicate all of 2026 to production testing and refinement of the 18A-P technology. The central objective is to ensure that the energy efficiency standards required by Apple are achieved before mass manufacturing. The first commercial deliveries are scheduled for early 2027, with a gradual volume expansion until 2029.
Factories located in the states of Oregon, Arizona and Ohio must centralize operations. The initial focus will be on the A18 Pro chip aimed at lower-cost devices and previous versions that remain on the production line. The new 18A-P lithography is considered a direct upgrade of conventional 18A technology. In technical terms, the Intel solution competes in transistor density with TSMC’s N2 process.
Diversificação of Apple retains TSMC as primary supplier
Mesmo com a entrada da Intel no ecossistema de fabricação, a TSMC continuará responsável por cerca de 90% da demanda total da Apple. The Cupertino giant remains cautious in the transition. The plan foresees that only a minority share of production will be diverted to American soil in the first years of the contract. The majority of Intel’s production will be aimed at iPhone processors.
- Cerca 80% of the volume produced by Intel will be focused on chips for cell phones.
- The 14A process (1.4 nanometer) is already under technical evaluation by Apple.
- Production on American soil meets government pressure for technological sovereignty.
- Basic iPad Modelos and MacBook Air from previous generations should receive the chips.
The diversification process is not limited to the 1.8 nanometer node of Intel. Engenheiros of Apple are already analyzing the capabilities of Intel’s future factories for even smaller lithographs, such as the 14A. The intention is to have a viable and geographically distinct alternative for future logistical or geopolitical crises at Ásia.
Impacto technical and chip performance equivalence
The Intel 18A-P technology represents the company’s effort to regain leadership in the semiconductor foundry sector. Analistas hardware points out that the performance of this process is on par with the most modern in the global industry. Para to Apple, using this technology in “legacy” products makes it possible to maintain affordable devices with optimized production costs.
Choosing the A18 Pro as the basis for initial testing indicates that the Apple wants stability. The use of an already known architecture facilitates the comparison of efficiency between chips made in Taiwan and those produced in Estados Unidos. If the 2026 results are positive, Intel could take on orders of greater technical complexity in the following decades.
