Intel is expected to begin supplying some Mac and iPad chips in a few years, and the latest rumor claims the partnership might extend to the iPhone. In a research note with investment firm GF Securities this week, obtained by MacRumors, analyst Jeff Pu said he and his colleagues "now expect" Intel to reach a supply deal with Apple for at least some non-pro iPhone chips starting in 2028. The non-pro iPhone chips would be manufactured with Intel's future 14A process, according to Pu.
Because before, they were buying Intel’s chips, many of which were being fabbed by TSMC.
Now, Apple is developing the chips to their own specs, and Intel is joining TSMC as a fab house. Apple controls the design and manufacturing volumes, is the sole customer for the chips, and has an alternative fab house they can turn to if either Intel or TSMC falls down on the job.