Intel and Apple Reach Preliminary Agreement for Chip Production at Intel Foundry

• May 8, 2026

Intel and Apple have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement for Intel to produce select Apple processors at Intel’s semiconductor fabrication facilities. This development marks a renewed collaboration between the two companies in chip manufacturing, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal.

Renewed Collaboration with a New Approach

This potential partnership stands out as Intel would be manufacturing some of Apple’s processors, though not in the same capacity as in previous years. The agreement signifies a strategic shift compared to Apple’s past chip sourcing, as the tech giant has been largely focused on developing and producing its own silicon designs through other manufacturing partners. The involvement of Intel’s foundry services indicates a diversification of Apple’s chip production strategy.

While details about the scale and specific models of processors that Intel might fabricate were not disclosed, the move could strengthen Intel’s position in the semiconductor manufacturing sector. Intel’s foundry business, which entails fabricating chips not designed by itself, has been an area of expanding emphasis for the company as it seeks to compete with other contract manufacturers.

The collaboration may also provide benefits to Apple by adding an additional supplier to its semiconductor supply chain, potentially easing production capacity constraints and enhancing supply stability. Apple’s continued investment in custom silicon has transformed its product line, but maintaining diverse manufacturing partnerships appears to be part of a broader strategy going forward.

As the semiconductor industry faces ongoing global challenges and evolving technology requirements, partnerships between leading companies like Intel and Apple underscore the complex interdependencies driving chip production today. The details of the agreement remain under wraps, and neither company has issued formal statements regarding the arrangement.

Further updates are anticipated as Intel and Apple refine their collaboration in the coming months. Industry observers will be watching closely to see how this partnership might influence supply dynamics and competitive positioning among major players in the chip market.

Intel is set to manufacture some Apple processors at its semiconductor fabs under a new preliminary agreement, according to WSJ sources.