Apple A-Series ARM Processors Could Power Macs In 2020 Leaving Intel Behind
Today, noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo [now with TF Securities] is claiming that Apple will make the shift from Intel to ARM chips starting in 2020, which is just over a year away. Kuo says that there a number of reasons for Apple to go with its own chips, with the primary reason being that it would have nearly full control over all major hardware and software components that make up its iMacs, iMac Pros, and MacBooks. In addition, Intel bottlenecks would be eliminated, it could enjoy fatter profits thanks to lower manufacturing costs, and the move would provide more differentiation for Apple computers.
So, while it’s possible that Apple has the resources and talent to pull off an upset that could send Intel scrambling if it loses one of its key customers, this is one of those cases where we'll believe it when we see it.
In other Apple news, Kuo also says that Apple will rely on TSMC to produce its Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) chips necessary for the company's self-driving car efforts. The chips will reportedly be capable of supporting either Level 4 or Level 5 (fully autonomous) vehicle operations.