This story is part of Apple event, our full coverage of the latest news from Apple headquarters.
Apple is expected announce the first computers that run on chips This is more like an iPhone than a typical PC. That in itself is exciting for techies, but it's also a sign of what's to come whether or not you buy a Mac. The iPhone maker said it will change the brain of his computers over the next couple of years. Starting with the computers likely to be unveiled Tuesday, Apple will throw its weight behind its own homemade chips.
Most people might not be interested in changing a small chip in their Mac computers, but it could mean big changes for Apple and the tech industry, too. For the past 14 years, Apple relied on Intel chips to power his laptop and desktop computers. Before the end of the year, Apple will ship computers with chips similar to those on its iPhones and iPads. According to Apple, chips are more energy efficient and potentially enable smaller and sleeker designs, longer battery life and new technologies.
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"Our vision for the Mac has always been to promote breakthrough innovation and have the courage to make bold changes," said Apple CEO Tim Cook when announcing the new initiative earlier this summer. He added that Apple's own chips will introduce new technologies and "industry-leading performance" of computers. "Every time we've done this, the Mac has gotten stronger and more capable," he said.
Apple declined to comment on its upcoming event.
For Apple, that moment was more than a decade ago. The question that has haunted Apple since its co-founder Steve Jobs passed away in 2011 is what comes next. Jobs introduced the Mac computer, iMac all-in-one desktop, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Apple's biggest product launch since then is the Apple Watch, which has grown into huge business. Outselling of the entire Swiss watch industry last year by a large margin. Even so, it's not an iPhone-like bump in the universe.
By combining all of the devices under the same chips and common code, Apple can deliver an experience that really extends across desktops, laptops, phones and watches. Apple's aforementioned app developers can create an app and send it to any device, with adjustments for keyboard and mouse versus finger touches and gestures.
The result can be further blurring of the lines between what a computer is and what it is supposed to do.
This is the biggest "Computers" announcement in a long time. It represents a step function / a generation change.
Early on, people will focus on the "transition" that is okay, but the real impact is the direction this is going. So many initiatives come together. https://t.co/YWyCJubUpg
- Steven Sinofsky (@stevesi) November 10, 2020
The changes already begin with Apple's latest computer software. MacOS 11 Big Sur, which brings even more similar looks, icons and sounds from the iOS software that powers the computer with an iPhone.
"With the current Mac, it's the Mac versus the PC," said Carolina Milanesi, an analyst at Creative Strategies. "Now, if it acts like an iPhone, I can manage it like an extension of my iPhone iOS Equipment. "
What can come
According to Apple, the transition to new chips may be a bit bumpy as app developers change the way their apps are coded for this new machine. In the meantime, Apple promises that most of the software we all use, including web browsers, photo and movie editors of all kinds of businesses, and even Microsoft's popular suite of office programs, will work on the new computers on day one.
What is likely to change more than anything is off the laptop and desktop. Apple's iPhones and iPads don't have fans to keep their chips cool. Analysts are betting that the fans, which are taking up space and making the laptop thicker, may go away if Apple can do the same trick on its computers.
With these changes and what-if speculation about detachable laptop-iPad hybrids aside, Apple watchers seem barely able to come up with ideas for design changes. (Author's note: Apple, please bring it back the MagSafe magnetic charging cable to the laptops. You are welcome.)
Another longer term game could be integrating cellular services into these types of mobile chips. Computers with built-in cellular devices were niche products at best, but these type of processors are designed to be used with cellular devices. People are buying connected iPads all the time - a connected MacBook Air isn't a big leap.
While this is unlikely to come out anytime soon, carriers will likely be eager to incorporate 5G into the future generation of Apple silicon-based MacBooks.
New payment method
Apple achieves more than expected performance and energy efficiency when it switches to its own chips rather than Intel's. It will also be able to fine-tune its software to work with its special chips.
Apple will also be able to manage manufacturing.
"If you control your own destiny and parts, you can save money," he said Bob O'Donnell, Analyst at Technalysis Research.
In general, he said, chip prices make up at least 20% of the cost of a laptop. And if Apple translates those savings into lower prices, it could attract new people who just can't pay or can't afford the company's laptops, which start at $ 999.
This can also generate consumer interest and encourage competition from other PC manufacturers played with cell phone chips in computers so far.
According to analysts, the Apple credit card could be the company's real ace. If Macs get a two-year interest-free installment plan, people might be excited about the idea of buying a computer for around $ 42 a month.
"Bringing the Mac to a larger population could be huge," said O'Donnell.
Either way, Apple's move will make waves by showing us just how powerful the iPhone chips are, and potentially spurring the industry to change their devices to keep up.
"This is the biggest announcement in 'Computers' in a long time" tweeted Steven Sinofsky, a venture capitalist who oversaw Microsoft's Windows software division more than a decade ago. "The real impact is the direction things are going."