Apple has officially confirmed that it will be switching from Intel processors to ARM-powered silicon in Macs and desktop computers in the future. The announcement was made at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2020 online event on June 23.
For those unaware, Apple’s last major transition on the processor was from PowerPC to Intel x86 architecture back in 2005.
“From the beginning, the Mac has always embraced big changes to stay at the forefront of personal computing. Today we’re announcing our transition to Apple silicon, making this a historic day for the Mac. With its powerful features and industry-leading performance, Apple silicon will make the Mac stronger and more capable than ever. I’ve never been more excited about the future of the Mac,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO at the WWDC event.
According to Apple, the new ARM-based chip will have lower power consumption, cost less, and give its users more control over product plans. It will also offer higher performance levels and improved battery life compared to what is currently available.
The biggest advantage of the move is that ARM-powered Macs will now be able to support native iOS and iPadOS applications along with macOS apps and further enhance the overall ecosystem that Apple has built for its devices. It will use common ARM-based architecture across its products including Macs, iPhones, and iPads.
The move would further allow Apple to offer new features, improved performance, and better security protections as well as make it easier for developers to code and optimise their apps for every major Apple device.
“We expect to ship our first Mac with Apple silicon by the end of the year,” Cook added stating that the complete transition is expected to take place in two years, which would give developers enough time to make their apps ready.
With new Intel-powered Macs likely to release in the future, Apple will continue to support its own Intel-based products for “years to come,” Cook said, without explaining further.
