Apple will officially announce its intention to switch from Intel to ARM-based processors for Mac computers at the annual WWDC later this month, according to a report by Bloomberg.
People familiar with the matter, who have asked not to be named, say that Apple will reveal the full details of the new initiative, codenamed Kalamata, at the popular developer-focused event, which gets underway on 22nd June.
While Apple is not ready to release hardware with the new tech right now, it wants to give developers the time to adjust and optimise software in preparation for ARM Mac devices in 2021.
The new processors, which could have 12-cores and a custom design, build on the tech used in Apple’s iPhones and mark a departure from the Intel chips that have been used during the last 15 years.
Steve Jobs announced Apple’s move from PPC to Intel at a conference in 2005 when he said that the chips would power the “best personal computers” for a decade.
Apple is now ready to move on to creating its own CPUs after reportedly becoming frustrated at the pace of performance advancements on the Intel side.
Internal tests from new ARM-based processors have impressed Apple engineers with notable performance and battery gains over other alternatives.
The greater power efficiency and cooler operation could also enable Apple to release thinner and lighter MacBooks in the coming years.
While the move to ARM is definitely part of the company’s plans, the source says that the timing of the announcement could change.
The WWDC event will take place online this year due to the coronavirus, but there are still a range of exciting announcements expected to be made.
Insiders believe that there will be a first glimpse at iOS 14 and the latest version of the Mac operating system, as well as potential hardware reveals.