"Apple Plans to Use Its Own Chips in Macs From 2020, Replacing Intel Apple is planning to use its own chips in Mac computers beginning as early as 2020, replacing processors from Intel, according to people familiar with the plans, Bloomberg News’ Ian King and Mark Gurman report. The initiative, code named Kalamata, is still in the early developmental stages, but comes as part of a larger strategy to make all of Apple’s devices -- including Macs, iPhones, and iPads -- work more similarly and seamlessly together..." https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...to-move-from-intel-to-own-mac-chips-from-2020
That sounds like marketing speak to me for "proprietary", "more expensive" for consumers and "greater profits" for Apple.
To be honest, I never knew that Apple produced its own chips, didn't they use Motorola before Intel? But anyway, this is no big surprise because Apple is sitting on so much cash. I hope they will eventually buy both Netflix and Tesla, would be good for stockholders.
Pre-emptive Security Strike? Apple CPU May Replace Intel Chips on Macs http://www.itprotoday.com/cloud-dat...strike-apple-cpu-may-replace-intel-chips-macs
Apple reportedly set to ditch Intel for Arm hardware If it happens, it will happen in 2020 or 2021, new reports claim October 19, 2018 https://www.itproportal.com/news/apple-reportedly-set-to-ditch-intel-for-arm-hardware/
Intel expects Apple to shift to ARM-based Mac chips in 2020 Chipmaker is likely preparing for a hefty revenue hit February 22, 2019 https://www.theinquirer.net/inquire...apple-to-shift-to-arm-based-mac-chips-in-2020
Apple hires key ARM engineer in race to ditch Intel June 26, 2019 https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/26/18760083/apple-arm-architect-hire-cortex-a76-mac-processors-intel
Who cares? Mainstream PCs aren't based on open-source hardware designs anyway. On the other hand "A64" instruction set is industry standard for ARM-based CPUs. Basic assembler instructions, memory management etc are the same on iPhones, Raspberry Pi SBCs etc. Actually I think ARM-based Macs may open way for ARM-based laptops with Windows such as Always Connected PC and then in turn spark interest in Gnu/Linux distributions for these laptops.
Open source? This has nothing to do with open source. It's about compliance with industry standards. "Mainstream PCs" have the ATX Form Factor standard - the greatest agreement that EVER benefited computer consumers. Period. That agreement allows you and me to use a Gigabyte motherboard with an ASUS graphics card, and a WD hard drive plus a Seagate hard drive, and a Samsung SSD plus a Crucial SSD, Corsair RAM, with an Intel CPU and power them all from a EVGA power supply. Then put them all in a Fractal Design case with a Thermaltake CPU cooler, and 3 case fans made by 3 different makers and expect them all to work in perfect harmony! And then tomorrow, if I "choose", I can swap in a MSI graphics card, Crucial RAM, Toshiba hard drive, Intel SSD, put them in a NZXT case connected to a LG monitor and still be assured they will all fit, connect, mount and work together perfectly. Good luck with that on any Apple branded system. Being proprietary is and always will be bad (and more expensive) for consumers.
Apple to release first ARM Mac without Intel processor in next 18 months, predicts Kuo February 24, 2020 https://9to5mac.com/2020/02/24/appl...tel-processor-in-next-18-months-predicts-kuo/
They have been preparing for that by thermally throttling their laptops, even Pro ones for a couple of years, so old Macbooks would not outperform newer.
Kuo: Apple to Launch Several Macs With Arm-Based Processors in 2021 March 26, 2020 https://www.macrumors.com/2020/03/26/kuo-several-arm-based-macs-2021/
I also wonder what this means for the future of gaming on the Mac. I'm guessing that video games would need to be designed exclusively for ARM processors?
Apple Could Announce Its Custom ARM Chips For Mac At WWDC 2020 June 9, 2020 https://fossbytes.com/apple-announce-custom-arm-chips-macs-at-wwdc/