Apple reportedly still planning ARM-powered Macs for 2021

It has long been rumoured that Apple is looking to move away from Intel and x86 onto their own custom ARM silicon. Apple has even taken steps to hire ARM chip specialists and the way we see it, the first Mac to be powered by one of these custom processors shouldn’t be too far away. Analysts have begun backing up that idea this year, tipping that the first ARM-powered Mac should arrive next year. 

Last month, KGI analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo released his latest research note on Apple, indicating that a shift to ARM-powered Macs was due in the first half of 2021. Now, that research has been updated with new findings. Kuo still believes ARM powered Macs will arrive next year and should also bring a hefty 40 to 60 percent reduction in CPU costs for Apple.

As reported by MacRumors, ASMedia is also expected to become the supplier of USB controllers for upcoming ARM-based Macs. The first MacBook to feature an ARM processor should launch in Q1 2021 but could be announced even earlier in Q4 2020.

As for what chip these ARM based Macs will run, Apple has been “aggressive” in funding R&D for a 5nm SoC according to Kuo. This chip should end up appearing in Macs, iPhones and iPads.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: A switch from Intel x86 processors to ARM will be interesting to see. It is an idea that other laptop makers have tried but Apple could end up pushing things even further. 

Become a Patron!