Intel Stock Soars 7% On Report It Could Soon Build Chips For Apple's Macs

<p><strong>Intel Corp</strong> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INTC" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="INTC" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INTC">INTC</a>)</a> stock gained as TF International Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo signaled growing momentum behind <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/chipmakers" rel="noreferrer noopener">the chipmaker's bid</a> to manufacture <strong>Apple Inc&#8217;s</strong> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AAPL" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="AAPL" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AAPL">AAPL</a>)</a> next-generation M chips.</p>



<p><strong>       • INTC is in a favorable position. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INTC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get the market research here.</a></strong></p>



<p>Kuo said Intel is moving closer to becoming an advanced-node foundry supplier for Apple, with momentum now much stronger than previously <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/mingchikuo/status/1994422001952555318?s=61&amp;t=a-bloX1n-TZ50ofqhetO1A" rel="noreferrer noopener">believed</a>.</p>



<p>The analyst noted that Apple already signed an NDA with Intel and received the 18AP advanced-node PDK 0.9.1GA, allowing key simulation and performance-power-area (PPA) validation to progress as planned.</p>



<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/10/48127749/intel-unveils-new-processors-to-power-ai-gaming-devices" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intel Unveils New Processors To Power AI, Gaming Devices</a></strong></p>



<p>Apple expects Intel to deliver the updated PDK 1.0/1.1 in the first quarter of 2026, a milestone Kuo describes as critical for finalizing development.</p>



<p>According to the analyst, Apple intends to have Intel begin shipping its lowest-end M-series processor — currently powering the MacBook Air and iPad Pro — as early as the second or third quarter of 2027, depending on development progress once the new PDK is issued.</p>



<p>He projected annual shipments of 15–20 million units in 2026 and 2027. The estimates slightly lag today's combined volumes due to the expected introduction of a more affordable MacBook variant based on an iPhone-class processor.</p>



<p>Kuo emphasized that the order size is modest and will not meaningfully disrupt <strong>Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd&#8217;s</strong> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TSM" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="TSM" data-exchange="NYSE" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TSM">TSM</a>)</a> moat. Still, he argued the strategic signal is substantial for both companies.</p>



<p>The analyst noted Apple needs a second advanced-node supplier to strengthen supply-chain resiliency, even while it continues relying heavily on Taiwan Semiconductor.</p>



<p>He also noted the Intel partnership aligning with U.S. industrial policy priorities, including Trump-era "Made in USA" initiatives.</p>



<p>Kuo viewed securing Apple's business as a milestone that could redefine confidence in Intel Foundry Services.</p>



<p>While Intel remains technologically behind Taiwan Semiconductor, Kuo says this win suggests its worst period may be ending and opens the door for future Apple orders — potentially on the 14A node and beyond — as well as business from other top-tier customers.</p>



<p><strong>INTC Price Action:&nbsp;</strong>INTC stock is up 10.19% at $40.56 at publication on Friday.</p>



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<p><em>Photo: Shutterstock</em></p>