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ARM Processors to Replace Intel Chips on Future MacBook Models?

A new rumor from SemiAccurate claims that Apple is now planning on moving the entire MacBook line away from Intel processors to ARM processors instead by the end of 2012 or early 2013. Apple appears to be waiting to make the switch until 64-bit variants becomes available. According to SemiAccurate, “Apple is moving the laptop line, and presumably desktops too, to ARM based chips as soon as possible.”

The current lineup of iOS devices now use a CPU based on the ARM architecture. Apple has made it clear that they intend to bring the best features from iOS to the desktop with the introduction of Lion, when it comes out this summer. It’s generally assumed that Apple is simply referring to software when discussing Lion, however, they may also be speaking of hardware features as well.

“Apple can move to ARM without worrying about obsoleting code with an ISA that is on the verge of changing, and no memory overhead worries either. Basically, it looks like the perfect time.”

All MacBook models are simply portable electronic devices at heart. Moving to ARM based processors, would give Apple the freedom to focus on a more unified product line, at least under the hood. If MacBooks and iOS devices use similar CPU designs, then Apple would be able to blur the line even further between product lines. This might even be a benefit to the average user as well.

It’s also being reported that Intel has shown an interest in developing mobile chips for devices like Apple’s iPad. Competition between Intel and ARM may lead to even better chip designs as the two companies try to outdo each other. This would give Apple the freedom to choose the very best CPU’s available once the dust settles.

If this all sounds highly unlikely to you, then just remember, there was a time not too long ago when an Apple computer with an Intel processor would have been unthinkable. Now it’s the norm. Apple always plans a step or two ahead of the competition. This time next year we may all be drooling over the latest MacBook Pro models powered by ARM processors. You never know, stranger things have happened.

New MacBook Airs Coming In June / July

A new report from Digitimes seems to corroborate rumors we’ve heard in the past weeks about a MacBook Air refresh this summer, featuring Intel’s Sandy Bridge processors and Thunderbolt technology:

The Taiwan-based supply chain for Apple products will begin shipments of new 11.6-inch and 13.3-inch MacBook Air models featuring Sandy Bridge platform and Thunderbolt interface in late May for launch in June or July, according to makers in the supply chain. While Apple’s PR representatives in Taiwan have neither confirmed nor responded to the report, it has long been understood that Apple always keeps silent about its new products not yet launched, the sources emphasized.

Earlier reports about the new MacBook Airs (last updated in October at the Back to the Mac event) suggested production would start later this month for a June release. Cnet was first to report in February the MacBook Airs would receive an upgrade; there’s a lot of anticipation when it comes to the MacBook Airs thanks to their super-thin design, native SSD and screen resolution, with analysts claiming the line could become a $2.2 billion annual business for Apple.

Mac mini, Mac Pro Server Refresh Coming Soon?

“Sources” are pointing to an upcoming refresh for the Mac mini and Mac Pro server lineup which could come in “the next month or so”. Apple will launch OS X Lion in July and, following the implementation of Sandy Bridge processors and Thunderbolt I/O technology in the latest MacBook Pro and iMac refreshes, it’s very likely the company will begin shipping new Mac minis and Mac Pros featuring the new aforementioned hardware. 9to5mac mentions, however, that the server lineup will go under a refresh, so we’re not sure how that would play out with the consumer version of the products. Still, it seems fairly obvious that all forthcoming Mac updates will carry Sandy Bridge and Thunderbolt. Apple quietly introduced its Mac Pro Server product after the Xserve’s discontinuation was announced in November.

The interesting part about both the Mac Pro and Mac mini server models become constrained simultaneously is that Apple might be looking to completely revamp their server offerings, not just update each respective product.

In past few weeks, rumors claimed Apple would soon refresh the MacBook Air family (perhaps in June or July) and the AirPort Extreme/Time Capsule lineup to bring better integration with its recently announced iCloud service. Whilst the Time Capsule announcement didn’t come true at the WWDC keynote, several sources have indicated the MacBook Air would soon receive an update to increase performances with new processors, as well as better connectivity with Thunderbolt.