Apple Orders Intel 18A-P Chips to Diversify Away from TSMC

Apple is ordering chips from Intel's 18A-P process to diversify its supply chain away from TSMC. The move comes as Apple seeks to maintain leverage over its primary chipmaker.

Apple aims to maintain leverage over TSMC

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple aims to create bargaining power as the revenue gap between AI/HPC and smartphones at TSMC continues to widen. Intel's 18A-P process is on track to reach high-volume manufacturing yield levels in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Kuo explained that beyond reducing single-source risk, Apple needs to cultivate a new supplier while it still holds bargaining power. The company plans to leverage its design capabilities to maintain its relationship with TSMC while advancing its partnership with Intel.

Apple has ordered 18A-P chips from Intel in ratios that match its end product mix, according to Kuo's analysis. The analyst shared these details in an article on X.