Bloomberg reports that Apple is developing first-party processors for its future Mac computers which are planned to be released in 2021. This somewhat backed industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s research note last month that also discussed the Cupertino-based company’s interest in reducing its reliance on third-party components.
People familiar with the subject told the news agency that Apple is working on three of its own Mac processors, which are based on the new A14 processor – the same chipset that will be used in the next iPhone model. These new components are said to be much faster than its mobile counterparts, they added.
The new Mac chips will be developed by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., who also produces the processors for the company’s iPhone and iPad products. According to the sources, the components will be based on a 5nm production technique, and will feature eight high-performance cores and at least four energy-efficient cores. The people added that the two core systems are codenamed Firestorm and Icestorm respectively.
Additionally, the sources said that Apple is exploring possibilities of Mac processors with more than 12 cores. This is to rival the number of cores and processing power that Intel provides on the company’s current iMac and MacBook production.
The shift to have its Mac, iPhone and iPad products running the same underlying technology would ease the company to unify its apps ecosystem, the report added. Apple is expected to release at least one Mac device with the first-party chip next year.
(Source: Bloomberg)
