In recent weeks, the tech industry has been buzzing with rumors about a possible return of Apple to Intel’s chip manufacturing. Several reports claimed that Apple was considering Intel’s advanced nodes to produce some M-series processors and chips for non-Pro iPhones. However, new information from industry experts now clearly rules out this possibility for Apple’s smartphones.
According to specialized sources, Apple has indeed signed non-disclosure agreements and received samples to evaluate Intel’s 18A-P process. Even so, the technical feasibility for mobile devices is considered nonexistent. Despite earlier predictions from firms like GF Securities and DigiTimes suggesting a partnership around 2027 or 2028, insiders say Intel’s latest chip architecture presents a major problem: heat management.
Why Intel Chips Will Not Be Used in iPhones
The core issue comes from Intel’s full commitment to Backside Power Delivery (BSPD) in its cutting-edge 18A and 14A nodes. Unlike competitors such as TSMC, which offer both BSPD and non-BSPD options, Intel has made this technology mandatory.
While BSPD allows for shorter and thicker metal paths—improving frequency stability and transistor density—it also creates serious self-heating issues. This is manageable in desktops or servers, but disastrous for mobile chips.
Experts explain that Intel’s design makes it very hard to dissipate heat both vertically and horizontally. To keep temperatures at the same level as older technologies, cooling systems would need to operate at around 20 degrees lower, something physically impossible inside an iPhone, which relies entirely on passive air cooling.
Because of these thermal limits, experts say there are “zero chances” that Intel will manufacture future iPhone processors. iPhones simply cannot meet the cooling demands required by BSPD-based nodes.
That said, the door is not fully closed for Mac computers. Macs have more internal space and can use active cooling systems, which could, at least in theory, handle the higher temperatures produced by Intel’s advanced processes.
For now, though, when it comes to iPhones, Apple’s path with Intel appears to be firmly blocked by physics rather than business strategy.
