Intel Reportedly Tapped to Manufacture Apple's iPhone 18 Chip

Intel is reportedly poised to enter Apple's chip supply chain, potentially manufacturing the A20 chip for the standard iPhone 18 model using its advanced 18A process technology. This development, if realized, could significantly disrupt the long-standing relationship between Apple and its primary chip manufacturer, TSMC.

Recent rumors suggest that Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A manufacturing node, which is comparable to TSMC's 2-nanometer process, for the A20 chip. While the exact allocation of orders between Intel and TSMC remains unclear, the inclusion of Intel marks a strategic shift for Apple, potentially driven by capacity constraints at TSMC. The foundry's 3-nanometer process is reportedly facing shortages due to high demand from AI clients, a situation expected to extend to its 2-nanometer offerings.

Intel's 18A process has shown promising advancements, with reported yields exceeding 55% last year and expected improvements by July 2026. This progress makes Intel an attractive partner for Apple's dual-foundry strategy. Meanwhile, the A20 Pro chip is anticipated to be exclusively manufactured by TSMC, indicating a continued reliance on the Taiwanese giant for higher-end components, at least for the immediate future.