A few weeks ago, the well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the first Macs equipped with ARM chips they may reach the end of this year. Now, he not only reaffirmed that possibility, but also inferred that Ma plans to launch multiple computers with its own processors in 2021 released the MacRumors.
More than that, Kuo believes that processors based on the ARM architecture will significantly increase the competitive advantage of the Mac line, in addition to reducing Apple's costs with 40% The 60% (for parts currently purchased from Intel).
The adoption of the ARM architecture on Mac chips will allow Apple more "independence" in the development of new hardware, since the company does not depend on the tasks of the American chip maker. Ultimately, this will be another way to further distance the specifications of Macs and PCs.
In the long run, Kuo hopes that the adoption of this technology will substantially increase sales of Apple computers. Ma currently sells about 20 million of Macs annually, but that number may increase to 30 million of units.
USB4
Despite the “savings” provided by the adoption of ARM chips, Apple may have to bear some additional costs that stem from this.
Today, the company uses the USB controller integrated in the chipset Intel on Macs and, with the move, Apple will have to obtain this technology from another vendor presumably from ASMedia Technology, which may be responsible for deploying the USB4 protocol on Macs.
In this regard, Kuo speculates that Apple will continue to offer USB 3.1 support in 2020 and 21. As of 2022, ASMedia may develop new USB4 controllers for Macs which is based on the Thunderbolt 3 interface, with some improvements.
