Apple rumored to consider Intel 14A process for next-gen M-series chips, NVIDIA rumored too

Apple could move to a dual-sourcing semiconductor strategy with next-gen 1.4nm chips using both Intel and TSMC for future M-series processors.

Anthony Garreffa

Gaming Editor

Published Jul 27, 2025 4:04 AM CDT

3-minute read time

TL;DR: Intel Foundry's future hinges on securing major clients for its advanced Intel 14A process, featuring second-gen RibbonFET and PowerDirect technologies. Rumors suggest Apple and NVIDIA may adopt Intel 14A, challenging TSMC's dominance. Success with these partners is critical for Intel's competitiveness in AI and edge chip markets.

Intel Foundry is in serious trouble if it can't find big customers to use its Intel 14A process, and, wouldn't you believe it, there are rumors flying that Apple might use Intel as its semiconductor partner for upcoming M-series processors.

In a new report, GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu, who has the inside track at Apple, claims Intel is sampling early versions of Intel 14A PDK to its customers, and that both Apple and NVIDIA are interested in using Intel Foundry as a chipmaking partner.

Read more: Intel Foundry's future depends on securing customers for Intel 14A process

Pu said: "The next focus Intel 14A process will incorporate second-gen RibbonFET and PowerDirect, marking a technological evolution built upon the foundation of the PowerVia introduced in Intel's 18A. Targeting both AI and edge applications, Intel has already provided early versions of the 14A PDK to key customers, with several expressing interest in producing test chips. We anticipate NVIDIA's gaming GPU (low-end version) and Apple's M series to emerge as adopters of Intel 14A".

Read more: Intel unveils its new Intel 14A process node, for future AI chip production

I can't see Apple of all companies using Intel 14A as it has a (very) good running with TSMC, which is the leading contract semiconductor manufacturer on the planet, and this rumor seems a little too well timed. Apple using Intel 14A would be a huge deal for Intel, but the idea of a dual-sourcing semiconductor strategy does make sense.

TSMC Is overloaded with customers between Apple, AMD, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, MediaTek and others, and Apple wants the best of the best when it comes to its M-series and A-series processors for its products. Intel needs to prove itself, so securing a big tech client like Apple would be a gold star for Intel Foundry.

Read more: Intel Foundry rumored with Intel 18A process node orders with Google + NVIDIA
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Read more: Apple's future-gen M6, M7, M8 chips in development: up to 256-core CPU, 640-core GPU teased

TSMC will deliver its in-house A14 process node in 2028, similar to Intel's timeframe on 14A, and Apple will want the very best of the semiconductor business. Intel has a hard job ahead of itself, as TSMC has been completely dominant over the last decade. Intel is in a state of flux, where if it doesn't secure big customers, Intel Foundry could shut its doors down for good.