Apple’s WWDC 2020 is taking place on June 22nd as an online-only event. The Cupertino based tech giant usually announces the next versions of its operating systems for its products including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS. Previously, there have been instances where MacBooks and iPads were launched at the event. Now according to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is expected to announce its first ARM-based chipsets for its future MacBooks and Macs. The move would cut the company’s reliance on Intel and will also reduce manufacturing costs.
Apple’s first Mac with ARM-based processor is expected to arrive in 2021. The brand plans to give developers heads-up at its upcoming WWDC to optimise their software for the new architecture. Apple has at least three ARM-based Mac processors in development. The report by Bloomberg states that “Inside Apple, tests of new Macs with the Arm-based chips have shown sizable improvements over Intel-powered versions, specifically in graphics performance and apps using artificial intelligence, the people said. Apple’s processors are also more power-efficient than Intel’s, which may mean thinner and lighter Mac laptops in the future.”
ARM processors are said to be more powerful and efficient than Intel’s current one. The chipset will be equipped with a GPU and a Neural Engine for handling machine learning. Reports suggest that the custom ARM processor will be based on the 5nm manufacturing process.
Apple’s ARM-based chipsets currently power the iPhones and iPads and the company is looking into the PC hardware. Apple depends on TSMC to make the processor for iPhone & iPad and the same is expected to manufacture for the Mac lineup too.
Bloomberg notes that the timing of the announcement could change due to the pandemic. We will know more at WWDC in a few days.