Apple Starts Low-End Processor Production with Intel
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 15 2026
0mins
TF International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said via X, formerly Twitter, that his latest industry checks on the Apple (AAPL)-Intel (INTC) partnership indicate that Apple has kicked off low-end/legacy iPhone, iPad, and Mac processors at Intel on the 18A-P series using Foveros packaging. "The order mix is roughly 80% iPhone, mirroring Apple's end-device sales mix. Apple's wafer plans at Intel reflect the technology lifecycle of the 18A-P series: small-scale testing in 2026, ramp in 2027, continued growth in 2028, and decline in 2029. Apple is also actively evaluating Intel's other advanced-node technologies. Intel's mass production timeline and shipment scale remain unclear, and assemblers/EMS have yet to see any shipment schedules. Intel's 2027 yield target is to first stabilize at 50-60% or higher. Even if Intel's initial shipments go smoothly, TSMC (TSM) will still retain over 90% of supply share." The analyst says Apple is "systematically cultivating" Intel to become a long-term key supplier.
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Analyst Views on AAPL
Wall Street analysts forecast AAPL stock price to rise
27 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 304.990
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
Current: 304.990
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
About AAPL
Apple Inc. designs, manufactures and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables and accessories, and sells a variety of related services. Its product categories include iPhone, Mac, iPad, Wearables, Home and Accessories. Its services include advertising, AppleCare, cloud services, digital content, and payment services. The Company operates various platforms, including the App Store, that allow customers to discover and download applications and digital content, such as books, music, video, games and podcasts. It also offers digital content through subscription-based services, including Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV+. Its wearables include smartwatches, wireless headphones, and spatial computers. Its products include iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone SE, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, iPad Air, AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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