On Friday evening, chip giant Intel surged over 10%, marking its largest increase in two months. Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicated that Intel is expected to start shipping Apple’s entry-level M series processors, potentially as early as 2027.Traditionally, Apple has been a chip buyer, but it may reverse roles to become a chip supplier, with Intel as its long-time competitor. If this prediction comes true, it would signify a significant shift in the semiconductor industry landscape.For Intel:The Apple M series chips are based on ARM architecture, which far exceeds the x86 architecture in terms of energy efficiency. Intel has historically struggled in the low-power, high-efficiency mobile computing sector.By procuring Apple chips, it can offer competitive ARM architecture solutions to customers in areas like laptops, preventing the market from being completely eroded..Intel is likely not just purchasing chips but may also commission its own factories to produce chips designed by Apple. This would demonstrate to the market that its foundry business is capable of handling top-tier clients like Apple, which have extremely high design and process requirements, representing a significant vote of confidence..Intel is becoming more pragmatic, with a future computing architecture that is diversified, allowing for coexistence of x86 and ARM. Instead of competing head-on with all rivals in every field, it is better to leverage its manufacturing and supply chain advantages to become a solution integrator..For Apple:Apple’s self-developed chips were originally intended to serve its own products, representing internal costs. If sold externally, the chip division would transform from a support department into a direct revenue-generating business, opening up new revenue growth points..The massive investment in chip R&D can be better amortized by selling chips to third parties, enhancing overall profit margins..Having giants like Intel use its chips would significantly enhance Apple’s design influence in the semiconductor industry and the impact of ARM architecture..Impact on the industry landscape:Further erosion of x86 by ARM: This would mark another milestone victory for ARM architecture in the PC domain.Blurring of semiconductor business models: The traditional boundaries between integrated device manufacturers, fabless companies, and pure foundries are becoming increasingly blurred. Apple is both a design company and potentially a supplier; Intel is both an integrated device manufacturer and a foundry, and may also become a customer of its competitors.Overall, if this prediction materializes, it would have direct beneficiaries in the A-share market.The most immediate beneficiaries are semiconductor equipment and materials companies that have entered the Apple M chip supply chain through TSMC, as all Apple M series chips are manufactured by TSMC.Increased chip demand will directly transmit to upstream and downstream supply chain companies of Apple M chips..It would further strengthen the position of ARM architecture in the PC field, benefiting the entire ARM ecosystem and advanced process and packaging industry chain..1. Luxshare Precision Core giant in the Apple supply chain, providing precision components, connectors, and assembly services for products like MacBook (equipped with M chips). It stands to benefit from any increase in sales or expansion of Apple’s hardware products.2. Lens Technology Core supplier for Apple, providing glass covers and other exterior components for devices like MacBook.3. Lingyi iTech An important member of the Apple supply chain, providing precision functional and structural components for the entire range of Apple products.4. Zhongwei Company Leading domestic etching equipment company, one of TSMC’s suppliers for advanced processes..5. Shanghai Simgui Technology Supplier of cleaning equipment and other semiconductor-specific equipment, has entered TSMC’s supply chain..6. Anji Technology Supplier of chemical mechanical polishing liquids, an important partner for TSMC and other major manufacturers..7. Shanghai Silicon Industry Leading domestic semiconductor silicon wafer manufacturer, whose products have been used for verification and mass production in TSMC’s advanced processes..8. Lian Microelectronics Specializing in semiconductor silicon wafers and power devices, its 12-inch silicon wafer products have passed TSMC’s process verification and have signed long-term orders with them..9. Jiangfeng Electronics Leading supplier of high-purity sputtering targets, whose products are key materials for chip manufacturing, directly supplying TSMC and other major manufacturers..10. Chipone Technology Holds a rich reserve of ARM architecture IP, and the success of Apple M chips and the expansion of ARM in the PC field validate ARM’s potential in high-performance computing, benefiting ARM ecosystem companies like Chipone in acquiring more clients and orders..Like and follow, thank you for your support: