Apple Developing New Mac Chip in Test of Intel Independence – Bloomberg (Feb 1, 2017)
The first ARM-based chip in a Mac arrived with the new MacBook Pro with Touch Bar late last year, but it handled a brand-new function. Bloomberg is reporting that another ARM-based chip could take over functionality currently performed by the main Intel chip, which would be something of a first. Specifically, it’s the Power Nap function in macOS which the ARM chip would handle, something particularly well suited to a low-power, energy efficient chip. Naturally, all of this also enables Apple to continue testing ARM-based chips in Macs as a way of seeing which functions they might take over from Intel over time, with a possible endgame of replacing Intel entirely. Apple has been somewhat frustrated in recent years by its dependence on Intel’s roadmaps and the way PC makers have benefited more from recent upgrades to its chips than Apple has. Reducing its dependence on Intel in its Mac lineup might give Apple more freedom to move faster and differentiate versus PCs, and would also put pressure on Intel to help Apple do the same with its own chips.
via Bloomberg
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