Intel has begun risk production of its 18A-P chip node at VLSI Symposium, bringing it closer to a possible foundry deal...

Intel has begun risk production of its 18A-P chip node at VLSI Symposium, bringing it closer to a possible foundry deal with Apple, according to CNBC (source 5). The article quotes analysts noting Apple is likely to wait for 18A-P before committing. Separately, a Bloomberg/Mark Gurman report (source 35) indicates Apple is considering Intel for some production of future A22 Pro chips using 1.4nm technology, alongside TSMC. If Apple does choose Intel, it would be a major design win for Intel Foundry and a shift in Apple's supply chain diversification. However, the deals remain unconfirmed and speculative, hence low confidence. The 75-day window aligns with typical foundry customer qualification timelines.