Apple could announce its long-rumored shift to ARM processors at its WWDC event this month according to a new report.
The report, filed by Bloomberg, notes that ARM-based hardware isn’t expected until 2021. Still, the ARM-based Mac is thought to be based on TSMC’s 5nm chip fabrication process. Apple is said to be working on at least three of its own processors for the Mac, the first being based on the A14, but not identical to it.
In recent reports, noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated back in February that an ARM-based Mac would ship in 2021. A follow-up reported published in March moved Kuo’s shipping date estimate to the end of 2020.
By creating its own processors, Apple would “own the stack,” allowing the company to customize its chips and define the Mac’s hardware and software capabilities. Ultimately, the processor could migrate to the MacBook Pro or iMac Pro on the higher end, but will most likely debut on consumer-oriented product such as the now-discontinued MacBook.
While the transition to ARM processors offers benefits such as speed and energy conservation, it’s unknown how it will interoperate with operating systems that rely heavily on x86 processors like Windows.
There is a ARM version of Windows, but it isn’t clear if Apple will allow installation, or if Microsoft will make it available for ARM Macs.
Apple has been speculated to switch its Mac platform to ARM for nearly a decade, with initial rumblings coming shortly after the company debuted its first A-series chip with the iPhone 4 A4 chip in 2010.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider and Bloomberg News