Apple’s range of Mac computing products could soon be powered by processors designed in Cupertino, according to a new report on Wednesday.
According to the analysts at KGI Research (via 9to5Mac) the company wants to upscale the A-series chips from the iPhone and iPad, in order to use them within MacBook and iMac models
Currently the company uses Intel Core i-series processors to power the laptops and desktops, but that may begin to change in the next year or so, according to the report.
In a KGI chart, it is claimed a 10nm FinFET chip called A10X chip will go into mass production in 2015/2016 and will sit within Mac computers. The chart also says the chip itself will be built by Samsung.
The analysts, who are wide of the mark as often as they hit it, say using chips designed in-house would enable Apple to take better control of its product release schedules.
The report states: “Apple may launch Mac products that use own AP [Application Processor] in next 1-2 years. This prediction is based on the assumption that Apple’s self-developed AP performs at a level between Intel’s Atom and Core i3 and is good enough for Mac. Using self developed AP can help Apple better control the timing of Mac launches and Mac product features.”
Read more: MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air – Which is right for you?
This suggests Apple wouldn’t be placing its in-house chips into its higher end machines, but base models. Perhaps an entry-level MacBook Air toting an A-series chip could be on the cards?
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
