Intel has been named Apple’s second foundry choice, but that was to leverage the chipmaker’s 18A-P process for the upcoming M7. What no one could have foreseen was the latest rumor claiming that the base iPhone 18, which is said to feature the A20, will be mass produced on the 18A node, but that’s what the latest Tata leak has suggested. Assuming this claim is true, it highlights Apple’s increasing problems with relying on TSMC, not to mention the supply and demand disparity created for the Taiwanese firm because of the AI boom.
First Chinese memory manufacturers, now Intel - Apple is making moves to reduce chip shortage risk, with the iPhone 18’s A20 treated to a new lithography
The latest details shared by Weibo tipster Fixed-focus digital cameras talk about the use of Samsung’s CMOS sensors in Apple’s iPhones, marking the first time that Sony’s monopoly is coming to an end. However, that’s not even the most surprising revelation because a new rumor states the iPhone 18, scheduled to launch in Q1 2027, will be equipped with the A20.
We’ve previously discussed Apple’s new goals of securing deals with companies it wouldn’t typically ink partnerships with, but we’re living in a new era, so fresh strategies must materialize. TF International Securities Ming-Chi Kuo has stated that Apple won’t look to make a deal with CXMT to lower DRAM prices, but to minimize its supply risk.
Similarly, with TSMC’s 3nm supply already heavily choked due to demand for AI customers, this problem will eventually arrive to the company’s 2nm process. To ensure that Apple has a healthy supply of A20 chips, Intel has likely been brought into the fold much faster than previously anticipated. Then again, the rumor doesn’t go into detail on whether the A20 will be mass-produced exclusively on the 18A node, or whether orders will be split between TSMC and Intel.
Last year, we reported that 18A yields had crossed 55 percent, so fast forward to July 2026, we expect that figure to be much higher, making Intel an ideal candidate for Apple to form a dual-foundry strategy with. As for the A20 Pro, we expect TSMC to exclusively mass produce the latter, unless another surprise graces us in the future.
AI orders will get extreme to the point that Apple will be forced to move to 1.4nm quickly
As mentioned above, the raging demand for AI chips has made the situation so dire for other fabless semiconductor manufacturers like Apple that the latter will reportedly ditch the 2nm node in favor of 1.4nm in just two years. While the Cupertino firm could rely on Intel for its enhanced 18A-P node, Samsung could also prove to be a valuable foundry partner as it aims to begin mass production of its own 1.4nm technology in 2029.
In short, TSMC’s reliability has also turned out to be its biggest weakness, as Apple, which was once the foundry giant’s exclusive and most lucrative customer, is seeking alternatives during the AI boom. Unless TSMC can allocate additional capacity for the iPhone maker, we don’t see any reason why a partnership between Intel and Samsung won’t blossom.
News Source: Fixed-focus digital cameras
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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