Apple Shifts from Samsung to Intel for Low-End MacBook Chips: A New Strategic Move in Chip Sourcing

Apple Eyes Intel for M-Series Chip Production, Shifting Strategy in Semiconductor Landscape

Cupertino, CA – November 30, 2025 – In a surprising development signaling a potential shift in Apple’s semiconductor strategy, the tech giant is reportedly considering Intel to manufacture low-end M-series chips as early as mid-2027. This move comes as the competition intensifies in the race to produce cutting-edge 2nm chips,currently lead by Samsung Foundry and TSMC.

Renowned Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that Intel’s 18A (1.8nm class) process node in North America is the target for thes chips, likely the M6 or M7 series. These could power future iterations of the iPad Air, iPad Pro, and MacBook Air.

Currently, TSMC remains Apple’s primary supplier for high-end M-series chips destined for MacBooks, Macs, Mac Minis, and Mac Studios, utilizing TSMC’s advanced 2nm process. The decision to diversify production to Intel suggests Apple is hedging its bets and perhaps seeking greater control over its supply chain.

The Rise of Domestic Chip Manufacturing

This potential partnership aligns with a growing trend towards bolstering domestic chip manufacturing, particularly in the United States. Former President Trump’s push to bring advanced chipmaking back to the US may be influencing Apple’s decision, allowing the company to demonstrate support for American industry.

However, political considerations aren’t the only factor.Apple may also be seeking to mitigate risks associated with concentrating chip production in a single location, and avoid sharing critical technology with competitors.

Samsung’s 2nm Lead, But no Apple Interest

Despite being one of the first to achieve mass production of 2nm chips – currently manufacturing the Exynos 2600 for the Galaxy S26 and AI chips for Tesla – Samsung Foundry appears to be overlooked by Apple for this particular production run. Samsung is also gearing up to produce the 2nm Snapdragon 8s Elite Gen 5 for the Galaxy Z Flip 8 at its Taylor, Texas plant.

The reasons for Apple’s preference for Intel remain twofold: a desire to support American manufacturing and a strategic reluctance to

What are the primary factors driving Apple’s decision to shift chip sourcing from Samsung to Intel for lower-end MacBooks?

The Evolving Landscape of Apple’s Chip Strategy

For years, Apple has meticulously controlled its hardware ecosystem, and a crucial part of that control lies in its chip sourcing. Recent reports indicate a notable shift: Apple is reportedly moving away from Samsung for the production of lower-end MacBook chips, returning to Intel as a key supplier. this isn’t a complete reversal of Apple’s silicon strategy – the move focuses on specific, more affordable MacBook models – but it represents a noteworthy change with implications for both companies and consumers. This decision impacts the future of macbook Air models and the broader Apple Silicon transition.

Why the Shift? Examining the Factors

Several factors likely contributed to this strategic realignment. While Apple’s in-house M-series chips (M1, M2, M3, and beyond) have consistently delivered impressive performance and efficiency, manufacturing capacity and cost considerations play a vital role.

* Cost Optimization: Samsung’s chip production costs, while competitive, may have become less favorable compared to Intel’s offerings for specific chip tiers. Utilizing Intel for lower-end chips allows Apple to potentially reduce overall production expenses.

* Supply Chain Diversification: Relying on a single supplier, even a strong partner like Samsung, presents risks. Diversifying the supply chain with Intel mitigates potential disruptions and strengthens Apple’s negotiating position.

* Intel’s Advancements: Intel has made significant strides in chip manufacturing, particularly in power efficiency and integrated graphics. These improvements make Intel chips a more viable option for certain MacBook configurations.

* Focus on High-End Apple Silicon: Apple can concentrate its internal resources and advanced manufacturing partnerships (like TSMC) on the advancement and production of its high-performance M-series chips for premium MacBook Pro and iMac models.

Impact on macbook Models: Which Ones Will Be Affected?

The initial reports suggest the shift will primarily affect the lower end of the MacBook lineup. Specifically, the MacBook Air is expected to be the primary recipient of these Intel chips. Forbes recently reported that the 2020 Intel-based MacBook Air will be the last model dropped, paving the way for a more streamlined Apple Silicon-focused range. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2025/06/09/apple-macbook-pro-macbook-air-intel-apple-silicon-macos-tahoe-support/

Here’s a breakdown of the anticipated impact:

1. Entry-Level MacBook Air: Future iterations of the base model MacBook Air are likely to utilize Intel processors, offering a more affordable entry point into the Apple ecosystem.
2. Mid-Range macbook Air: Depending on performance targets, some mid-range MacBook Air configurations might also incorporate Intel chips.
3. MacBook Pro (Potential): While less likely, there’s a possibility that Intel chips could find their way into certain lower-end MacBook Pro configurations in the future.

What Does This Mean for Consumers?

This shift has several potential implications for consumers:

* more affordable MacBooks: The use of Intel chips in lower-end models could lead to more competitive pricing, making MacBooks accessible to a wider audience.

* Performance trade-offs: Intel chips, while improving, generally don’t match the performance and efficiency of Apple’s M-series silicon. Consumers opting for Intel-based MacBooks may experience slightly lower performance in certain tasks.

* Battery Life Considerations: Apple Silicon is renowned for its extraordinary battery life. Intel-based MacBooks might see a reduction in battery performance compared to their Apple Silicon counterparts.

* Software Compatibility: While macOS is designed to run seamlessly on both Apple Silicon and Intel processors, some older or specialized software might be optimized for Intel architecture.

Intel’s Outlook: A Renewed Partnership

This move represents a significant win for Intel, which has been working to regain market share in the laptop space. Apple was once a major Intel customer, and this renewed partnership provides Intel with a valuable revenue stream and a platform to showcase its latest chip technologies. It also validates Intel’s ongoing efforts to improve its manufacturing processes and chip designs. The collaboration could spur further innovation in CPU technology and integrated graphics.

The Future of Apple’s Chip Strategy

Apple’s chip strategy remains dynamic. While the company is committed to its long-term vision of complete control over its silicon, pragmatic decisions like this Intel partnership demonstrate a willingness to adapt to market conditions and optimize its product offerings.The future likely holds a hybrid approach, with Apple Silicon powering its high-end devices and Intel providing chips for more affordable models. This strategy allows Apple to balance performance, cost, and supply chain resilience. The upcoming macOS Tahoe release will be crucial in ensuring seamless compatibility across both chip