Apple announces switch to custom processors for Mac
So long Intel…?
During the Worldwide Developers Conference Keynote (WWDC) on Monday, Apple officially announced its transition to custom (ARM-based) processors for its line of Mac computers. Tim Cook identified this as the third major milestone for the Mac line-up (apart from MacOS X), preceding the 1994 switch to PowerPC processors and 2006 switch to Intel based processors.
Apple claims a host of massive improvements, including better power management, a superior Secure Enclave, higher performance GPU, and Neural Engine improvements for AI. Using a common architecture across all of Apple’s product lines, Apple hopes to replicate its success in iPhone and iPad chips.
To make the load of transitioning to the new chipset easier for developers, Apple announced the “Developer Transition Kit.” It consists of a Mac Mini with an “A12Z” processor, 16GB of memory, 512 SSD, along with the macOS Big Sur Developer beta, and Xcode. It can be ordered through the developer profile, and starts shipping this week. This kit is part of a special program (which costs $500 to get in) and must be returned to Apple after the program. According to Apple, most apps can be recompiled in only a few days.
Highlights
Apple announces transition to custom ARM based processors (Apple Silicon)
Two year transition timeline
Macs with Intel processors in the pipeline, not completely discontinued
First Mac with custom chip to debut at the end of the year
Conclusion:
This announcement signals the dawn of a new era for Apple and the PC world. The PC world has been synonymous with stiff competition between AMD and Intel. Apple’s entry beefs up this competition. Although Apple is projected to beat both AMD and Intel with their expertise in ARM processors, only time will tell if this is the case. We can only wait and see if Apple is able to replicate their success in iPhone and iPad chips. Whatever the case, as consumers, we can enjoy this competition as it’s sure to lead to major technological improvements and hopefully a reduction in prices. For now, Tim Cook confirmed that Intel-based Macs were in the pipeline and will be released in the near future.