Apple is expected to use both Intel’s 18A-P and 14A process nodes across future chip lineups, according to GF Securities. The company is said to be preparing Intel’s 18A-P node for M7 system-on-chips used in MacBook Air and entry-level MacBook Pro models, while Intel’s 14A node is planned for A21 chips in iPhones.
The 18A-P node is positioned as a fit for Apple’s laptop chips because it balances efficiency and speed. It offers a 9% performance increase at the same power level or achieves 18% power savings at the same performance level compared to the standard 18A node. With Apple moving away from TSMC’s 3 nm node in the current M5 SoC, the improvements are expected to be realized by 2027.
For iPhones, Apple is expected to use Intel’s 14A node for A21 chips, with the goal of gaining a more advanced process for mobile devices. Apple’s plans have these chips ready by 2028. As this is anticipated to begin in about two years, Apple will likely wait for the final 14A PDK before starting trial production.
It remains unclear whether Apple will keep the A21 Pro chip at TSMC while assigning the standard version to Intel. The broader direction suggests Apple is gradually diversifying its supply chain with more silicon manufacturers. Intel’s advanced packaging is also presented as an area where it can compete with TSMC across multiple fronts.
