After years of using Intel microprocessors on the Mac line, Apple decided to choose its own path next year. By 2021, the Mac computer lin...
After years of using Intel microprocessors on the Mac line, Apple decided to choose its own path next year.
By 2021, the Mac computer line will be similar to the current iPhones and iPads using Apple-designed processors. According to Bloomberg, Apple is working on three CPU models for Mac with the same structure of Apple A14 processor expected to be equipped on the next iPhone generation.
However, Mac series processors can be far more powerful than mobile devices.
The future of the Mac line
According to Bloomberg sources, there will be at least one Mac using the new processor launched by Apple in 2021. The company can completely replace Intel processors with their own designed ones. Kalamata code in the coming years.
TSMC, Apple's chipset processing partner for iPhones and iPads, will undertake the task of producing the new Mac chipset. This processor is based on a 5 nm process like the Apple A14 chipset on the next generation iPhone and iPad Pro.
The difference between microprocessors on computers and iPhones, iPads is that they are much more powerful.
iPad Pro 2020 uses A12Z Bionic Chip chip, with 4 high-performance cores and 4 energy-saving cores to ensure balanced performance with batteries. Meanwhile, the Mac can be equipped with 8 high-performance cores and 4 energy-efficient cores, when the battery is not too big a problem.
Apple may consider having higher, more cores in the future.
If this information becomes true, this will be a shock to Intel and its rivals in the computer market. According to Bloomberg, using the same processing technology on the Mac, iPhone and iPad will help Apple synchronize its operating system platforms and application ecosystem.
At the same time, this move reduces Apple's reliance on Intel. Apple started using Intel microprocessors for Macs in 2006. In addition to Macs, it also makes chips for other Apple products. For example, modems on many previous iPhone models, important components for them to be able to connect wirelessly.
The Mac line earned $ 7.16 billion in the latest fiscal quarter.
Meanwhile, Intel's revenue, which includes the earnings from manufacturing modem chipsets, reached $ 10 billion.
"This will be bad news in the long run for Intel. We are also concerned about its market share in the future," said Wedbush Securities analyst Brad Gastwirth.
Not easy to overcome the shadow of Intel
Switching to ARM-designed processors based on ARM and not x86 like Intel CPUs will have complex technical issues. Prior to Apple, Qualcomm had studied ARM-based processors running on computers but so far had not expected results, because Intel CPUs were more powerful.
Apple has a software advantage that allows it to combine hardware, software and computer operating systems. However, this is still not a simple task. Apple's design could carry more cores than Intel processors to make up for the loss of power.
Like on mobile devices, this chip is essentially a system of central processing units (CPUs), graphics processors, and possibly networked chipsets. The Kalamata project has been implemented for many years. In 2018, Apple internally tested the Apple A12X chip on a Mac. This test has added confidence to Apple aiming to replace Intel processors in the near future.
Despite using a chip with a similar structure, Macs still use macOS, not a customized version of iOS. Apple must ensure that the software running smoothly on Intel processors is compatible with the new hardware.
Apple's wait for years to bring a major upgrade to the Mac line is partly due to Intel. Because Intel cannot provide a new line of processors that are so different, Macs are also affected. Bloomberg commented that Kalamata is Apple's most ambitious chip project ever.
In an effort to create its own chipset, Apple bought most of Intel's modem business in July 2019 for a billion dollars. In addition, it has settled a nearly two-year legal battle with Qualcomm over its licensing of patents.
Mr. Nerd
