Apple Predicted to Launch ARM-Based Macs in the Next Year or Two

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has issued a new report outlining his predictions for Apple chips over the next few years.

As one might expect, Kuo predicts that Apple will diversify its supplier lineup for A-series chips used in iOS devices. Samsung, TSMC, and GlobalFoundries are all said to contribute to future production.

For the A9 chip, Kuo predicts that production will be shared by Samsung and Global Foundries. TSMC is said to be responsible for production of the A9X processor that will reportedly be used in iPad models. In 2016 that split is said to flip with TSMC handling A10 production and Samsung being responsible for A10X chips.


Interestingly, Kuo projects the Apple could launch ARM-based Macs in the next year or two. Those devices would be based on its own custom chip designs.

Apple may launch Mac products that use own AP in next 1-2 years. This prediction is based on the assumption that Apple’s self-developed AP performs at a level between Intel’s Atom and Core i3 and is good enough for Mac. Using self-developed AP can help Apple better control the timing of Mac launches and Mac product features.

It's believed that A-series chips would be limited to lower-end devices initially, perhaps a future version of the rumored 12-inch MacBook Air would be a possible candidate.

Looking at the Apple Watch, Kuo says Samsung is handling the primary production of S1 chips for the smartwatch. He believes that TSMC will take over responsibility in 2016 for the S2.


Kuo has been fairly accurate with his Apple predictions in the past. Please follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, or RSS for updates.

[via MacRumors]