Apple Mac book pro in ARM !!
In a new development, Apple is reportedly working on ARM chips for
its Mac devices. The company currently uses Intel processors for its MacBook
models, but it is looking to reduce reliance on the chipmaker, starting
with supplementing Intel processors with an ARM chip for low-power tasks.
Bloomberg reports that
Apple-built ARM chips will be integrated partially in MacBook Pro models
scheduled to be launched this year. The new chips built for Mac will be used
for low power tasks, and leave the Intel chip to take care of the heavy-duty
processing.
The chip, which went into development last year, is
similar to one already used in the latest MacBook Pro to power the keyboard’s
Touch Bar feature, the people said. The updated part, internally code named "T310", would handle some of the computer’s low-power mode functionality, they
said.
The people asked not to be identified talking about private product
development. It’s built using ARM HOLDINGS PLC. technology and will work alongside an
Intel processor.
Although
Apple only accounted for 7.5 percent of worldwide computer shipments in the
fourth quarter, according to data from IDC, the Mac line has long set the
standard for design and component improvements. Its feature additions often
start new technology trends that other manufacturers rush to follow. Apple and
Intel declined to comment.
The
development of a more advanced Apple-designed chipset for use within Mac
laptops is another step in the company’s long-term exploration of becoming
independent of Intel for its Mac processors. Apple has used its own A-Series
processors inside iPhones and iPads since 2010, and its chip business has
become one of the Cupertino, California-based company’s most critical long-term
investments.
Apple’s
first ARM-based Mac chip, known as T1, was introduced as part of the MacBook
Pro update last October. This chip powers the Touch Bar -- a screen built into
the keyboard that lets users access app shortcuts, system settings and emoji’s
-- and some security features such as the enclave that stores payment and
biometric data tied to the computer’s fingerprint reader.
Power Nap
Apple
engineers are planning to offload the Mac’s low-power mode, a feature marketed
as "Power Nap," to the next-generation ARM-based chip. This function
allows Mac laptops to retrieve
- e-mails,
- install software updates,
- synchronize calendar appointments with the display.
The
current ARM-based chip for Macs is independent from the computer’s other
components, focusing on the Touch Bar’s functionality itself. The new version
in development would go further by connecting to other parts of a Mac’s system,
including storage and wireless components, in order to take on the additional
responsibilities. Given that a low-power mode already exists, Apple may choose
to not highlight the advancement, much like it has not marketed the
significance of its current Mac chip, one of the people said.
Building
its own chips allows Apple to more tightly integrate its hardware and software
functions. It also, crucially, allows it more of a say in the cost of
components for its devices. However, Apple has no near-term plans to completely
abandon Intel chips for use in its laptops and desktops, the people said.
Intel
dipped on the news and ended the day down 0.8 percent at $36.52. Apple rose 6.1
percent to $128.75 in New York.
Intel’s designs and production technology have
created processors that rivals and contract manufacturers haven’t been able
match. If companies such as Taiwan Semiconductors Manufacturing Co. and Samsung Electronics Co.continue to narrow the gap with
what Intel’s factories can make, Apple may have more scope to design its own
parts. ARM-based processors dominate the smartphone and tablet markets in part
because of their power-efficiency.
There are several reasons why Apple would
look to do away with Intel processors on its Mac lineup. The first, is greater
control over hardware and software integration, while another would be greater
say on the cost of Mac components.
Integrating two chips into the MacBook Pro will help in improving
overall battery life optimisation, given this year's complaints about overall
usage time. The report claims that the role of the new ARM chip in the Power
Nap feature would not be highlighted by the company, much in the same way the
company didn't highlight the use of the T1 ARM chip utilised in current MacBook
Pro models to power the Touch Bar. This year's MacBook Pro models will
integrate Intel's latest Kaby Lake processors, and are expected to upgrade up
to 32GB RAM.
Thursday's Bloomberg report also reiterates the publication's previous Claim that
Apple is set to release a faster version of its 12-inch MacBook this year, and
a new iMac with multi-functional USB Type-C functionality.
" If I were you,I will skip the dongle book pro 2016 ,I will wait for new Mac book pro".
Apple Mac book pro in ARM !!
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