Rumors about Apple's plan to switch Macs to ARM are nothing new. Recently, it was even claimed that the company could present the first ARM chip at WWDC 2020 - now a leaker is speculating.
The news channel Bloomberg has recently claimedthat Apple will present the first ARM chip on June 22nd - but the first ARM-based Mac is not expected to appear until next year at the earliest. Now Fugde, better known as @choco_bit, has spoken out on Reddit. The anonymous leaker claimed some time ago that Apple could probably present a MacBook 12" as the first Mac with ARM architecture.
Apple has not given up on the butterfly keyboard
In a longer Contribution On Reddit, Fudge speculates about what the transition from Intel to ARM might ultimately look like. He once again brings an updated MacBook 12" into play - the idea is based on rumors from Apple's supply chain. The notebook would be the first to be equipped with an A14X chip (eight to twelve cores) that was specifically developed for use in a Mac. Fudge also added that Apple has not given up on the butterfly keyboard. According to some rumors, Cupertino is trying to include an updated and much better version of this much-discussed keyboard technology in the ARM Mac. It remains unclear whether the MacBook 12" will be redesigned or will be the same as the 2017 model. In addition, the notebook could be the first Apple MacBook to have a cellular connection in the form of 5G support.
Why does Apple want to use ARM?
Fudge also has some answers to the question of "why". In contrast to Intel processors, ARM chips would work much more efficiently, which would benefit battery life. Furthermore, the devices could receive a significant increase in performance. In addition, by using ARM processors, Apple could reduce costs and have more control over hardware and software integration. The dependence on Intel's release schedule would also be a thing of the past. But the highlight would definitely be a "more uniform Apple ecosystem". From then on, the individual devices would only differ in terms of form factor and performance features. Fudge also addresses the topic of apps later on.
Advantages outweigh disadvantages
The leaker believes that apps made available via the Mac App Store will not have any problems - unlike applications available on the open market. These would have to be available as ARM and x86 versions, for example. Emulation would be the alternative. The switch to ARM could also be the temporary end of Apple Boot Camp - according to Fudge. A comeback would probably be possible if Windows becomes more friendly to the ARM architecture. A switch would not necessarily be smooth for everyone - but the bottom line is that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. It remains to be seen whether Apple will actually present the first ARM processor at WWDC 2020. The event will take place on June 22nd at 19:00 CET. (Photo by mariakray / Bigstockphoto)
