The MacBook Neo has been a huge hit for Apple, but the surge in demand has also led the company to rethink its chip production strategy. According to a WSJ report, Apple and Intel have just made a “preliminary” chipmaking deal through which Intel’s fabs will be used to manufacture some of the chips that power Apple devices, and that could also include the A27 chips powering the next-gen MacBook Neo.
Taiwanese chip giant TSMC has been exclusively manufacturing Apple chips for years, but its capacity remains tight due to unprecedented demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) chips. Therefore, Apple diversifying its chip production partners will help the brand secure additional supply for its entry-level and mainstream-focused chips.
The A18 chip that powers the MacBook Neo and iPhone 16 series is currently manufactured using TSMC’s N3B process technology. That too isn’t unaffected by the ongoing chip shortages, and this has led to a $100 increase in the MacBook Neo’s price, which is a big hike for a $599 product. The deal with Intel will help Apple ensure an optimal quantity of upcoming MacBook Neo laptops in the market.
Apple was also reportedly in talks with Samsung for its chip needs. That could be seen as a backup option in case the need arises. For Intel, this is less about reviving the ‘Intel Inside’ era and more about proving its factories can compete with the world’s best.
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