Apple’s chip strategy might be getting a serious shake-up, bro.
According to a Bloomberg report cited by Wccftech, Apple has been holding early, exploratory conversations with Intel and Samsung about producing chips for its consumer devices. Nothing is locked in yet, and no orders have reportedly been placed, but even the idea is notable because Apple has leaned heavily on TSMC for years when it comes to the advanced processors powering iPhones, iPads and Macs.
For Malaysian and SEA readers, this is not just semiconductor industry drama. If you are waiting for the next iPhone, planning to upgrade your MacBook, or watching local authorised reseller prices like a hawk, chip supply affects everything from launch stock to delivery times and, potentially, retail pricing pressure.
Why Apple might want a backup plan
Apple’s modern devices are built around its own A-series and M-series chips, but Apple does not manufacture those chips itself. TSMC has been the key manufacturing partner behind Apple’s latest silicon, helping the company deliver powerful and efficient processors across iPhone and Mac.
The problem is that advanced chip production is under heavy pressure. The report points to supply constraints affecting the wider PC and smartphone market, with TSMC also facing huge demand for cutting-edge AI chips. On top of that, LPDDR memory is reportedly tight too, partly because AI hardware also loves low-power memory.
Apple recently said chip supply constraints contributed to weaker-than-usual iPhone sales. So from Apple’s point of view, having only one main advanced chipmaking partner is powerful when everything goes smoothly, but risky when the whole industry is fighting for the same capacity.
Intel and Samsung enter the chat
The reported talks involve Intel’s foundry business and Samsung’s advanced chip manufacturing plans in the US. Bloomberg’s report says Apple has discussed Intel’s chipmaking services, while Apple executives have also visited a Samsung facility being developed in Texas.
This does not mean your next iPhone is suddenly guaranteed to have an Apple chip made by Intel or Samsung. The discussions are still early-stage, and neither Intel nor Samsung has provided an official statement on the matter.
But if Apple eventually adds another manufacturing partner, it could become one of the biggest validation wins for either company. Intel especially has been pushing hard to turn its foundry business into a serious rival to TSMC. Reports have also suggested Intel’s 18A-P process could be considered for future Apple M-series chips, while Intel 18A-P or 14A have been floated as possible candidates for future iPhone A-series chips.
There is also talk that Apple’s next-generation A21 chip could be produced by Intel or Samsung if a deal happens, though this remains unconfirmed.
What this means for Malaysian buyers
For us in Malaysia, the short-term impact is probably zero. Apple’s current product pipeline and supply chain will not change overnight. These manufacturing shifts take years, especially for chips as important as the ones inside iPhones and Macs.
But in the medium term, more chip production options could help Apple reduce supply bottlenecks. That could mean healthier launch stock, fewer annoying delays, and more stable availability through Apple Malaysia, telcos, and local retailers.
The pricing angle is more complicated. Extra supply does not automatically mean cheaper iPhones or Macs — jangan dream too hard — but supply constraints can make popular models harder to find and reduce promo flexibility. If Apple can secure more manufacturing capacity, it at least gives the company more room to manage demand.
For now, this is one to watch rather than a confirmed shift. TSMC is still the main heavyweight in Apple’s chip story, but the fact that Intel and Samsung are even being discussed shows Apple may be preparing for a future where relying on one foundry is too risky.
Source: Wccftech Gaming