Apple’s gamble
Apple’s decision to start equipping its Mac lineup with ARM-based processors doesn’t sound that great. Yet.
With WWDC right around the corner, it’s time to talk about the biggest rumor surrounding the developer conference. Multiple reports suggest that Apple is planning on switching to ARM-based CPUs (computer processing units) for its Mac lineup.
Since 2006 the Cupertino company has integrated Intel CPUs into their desktop computers and laptops. Intel chips are the industry standard today, and they are at the core of most laptops.
The crucial difference between the current Intel chips and the rumored arm CPUs is the respective processor family. Intel Chips run on an x86 architecture, whereas Apple’s ARM chips have an ARM architecture.
ARM vs. x86
ARM chips have seen a massive rise in popularity due to mobile devices. ARM processors basically run on the idea that there should be few and simple instructions for the processor (RISC). This simplicity in the instructions leads to smaller circuitry on the chips, which then leads to smaller chips or more space on them.
The cost of this, however, is that there are more instructions needed to perform a task, which leads to more memory consumption and longer execution times. To combat this problem, ARM chips feature fast processors (high frequency) and a method called pipelining.
ARM chips, however, excel at efficiency, that is why they are so popular in mobile devices. Due to the smaller circuit, they don’t need nearly as much power as chips based on the x86 architecture.
Another benefit that comes with ARM chips is that they don’t get as hot as Intels CPU’s. Most ARM processors do not even require a heat sink, where Intel’s overheating problem is burned into the memory of a lot of Apple enthusiasts.
Chips with the x86 architecture are the most popular chips in laptops and PCs. They allow you to run a lot of different operating systems and programs and are very compatible. They are based on the idea of computing complex instructions (CISC) rather than having a lot of simple instructions.
x86 chips are powerful chips but also require a lot of power to run properly. That’s why even the 16inchs MacBook Pro’s 100 Wh battery is consumed in a heartbeat under heavy workloads.
The gamble
Apple has shown the world that ARM chips can be powerful too. Processors like their A12X Bionic in the 2018 iPad Pro models stunned the competition and showed that Apple is on Intel’s heels in processor design.
Another advantage of designing processors in house is independence. Right now, Apple is at Intel’s mercy. If Intel has problems with manufacturing or doesn’t innovate in their chips, Apple is at a loss too.
I don’t doubt that Apple can design a processor that is powerful enough for Mac’s. I believe that if Apple makes that, the devices with that processor would be quite amazing. Fast, fantastic battery life and no overheating issues, this all sounds promising. The problem I have is compatibility.
Apple has never been known to be very compatible, but there are a lot of tools to help you run every program you have on windows on your Mac. There even is Bootcamp, an assistant from Apple, which assists you in installing windows on your Mac.
Switching to ARM Chips will create a log of compatibility problems, even within MacOS. Every third party application and programs will have to be adapted to Apple’s new standard.
Until that is done, buying a Mac will not be an option for some people who will have to use these third-party apps. I believe that once developers have adapted and are taking full advantage of all the benefits of ARM, then it will be awesome.
Until then, in my opinion, it is a huge gamble. The years of transition will be a time of uncertainty for developers, shareholders, and consumers alike.
Will there be enough support for developers? Will people still buy Mac’s? What will people with new Mac’s, which run on Intel CPU’s do? Will they receive OS updates, will they lack features?
These are all looming questions. Apple better has answers for them if they are really transitioning to ARM-based CPUs. Otherwise, the odds may be stacked against them.
Stay healthy, stay safe and stay kind out there.
Raffael
