Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Apple may be working on an ARM-fueled Mac for 2021

 

Apple is reportedly planning to release its first Mac powered by an ARM processor by 2021. 

Recommended Videos

Three different Mac processor chips are in the works, including one that is based on the A14 chip that’s in the upcoming iPhone, according to Bloomberg. The new processor would be even faster than the ones currently found in the iPhone and iPad. 

The move to make its own chips instead of using Intel processors reportedly lets Apple can have more control over its devices, as well as to set the company apart from other tech rivals. Apple relies heavily on Intel for its performance capabilities and its release schedule; by using Apple-made ARM processors, Apple would be fully in control of their products. 

MacBook Air 2020 keyboard
Luke Larsen / Digital Trends

ARM-run Macbooks have long been rumored, but there was never any hard evidence that Apple had a secret plan to ditch Intel for good.

An official announcement about the processors could very well come at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.  Apple dropped a huge hint last month in the form of a photo of what looks to be the back of a MacBook, which means some big news is coming about it. 

We have speculated in the past that the first ARM-powered Mac would be a MacBook Air, since this model is designed for using more straightforward applications, and many people only ever use the preloaded apps. 

Digital Trends reached out to Apple to confirm the rumors of Apple-made ARM processor chips, and to comment on when we might be able to expect to see them roll out. We will update this story when we hear back from them.

Allison Matyus
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Allison Matyus is a general news reporter at Digital Trends. She covers any and all tech news, including issues around social…
Apple’s next-gen M4 Macs look set to embrace serious gaming
The Mac mini on a wooden table.

Apple’s Mac machines and gaming don’t quite fit in the same equation, even though the recent trajectory of its Metal architecture has pulled off a few surprises. But it looks like the upcoming M4-tier machines won’t pull any punches, including the Mac mini.

In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman writes that for the first time, Apple’s entry-level desktop computer will offer ray tracing support. For the unaware, it’s a lighting system that adds a whole new level of visual realism to games.

Read more
Apple’s smart display might aesthetically revive the iconic iMac G4
Apple iMac G4 desktop computer.

Apple’s foray into the smart display segment is eagerly anticipated, and if Bloomberg’s numerous reports are anything go by, we could see the first entry hit the shelves as early as 2025. Now, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, in the latest edition of his PowerOn newsletter, reports that the upcoming machine could borrow some inspiration from the legendary iMac G4.

“The screen is positioned at an angle on a small base, making it reminiscent of the circular bottom ... from a couple of decades ago,” Gurman writes.

Read more
macOS Sequoia may be breaking important security tools
macOS Sequoia being introduced by Apple's Craig Federighi at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.

Apple released macOS Sequoia on Monday, but the update has broken the functionality for some networking and security tools from companies such as Microsoft, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, and more, as Bleeping Computer reports. Affected users on Reddit are sharing their issues with security software such as ESET Endpoint Security and CrodStrike Falcon.

Other reported issues include firewalls causing packet corruptions, browser SSL failures, and the inability to use the "curl" or "get" commands. Users can fix the problem quickly by turning off the tools, which indicates an incompatibility issue with the network stack, but this is not the fix many may be looking for.

Read more