Apple announces it will switch to its own processors for future Macs (theverge.com)

Article summary

Apple has announced that it will be transitioning its Mac lineup to use its own ARM-based processors, starting with the first Mac available later this year. The company expects the transition to take two years and will support native iOS and macOS apps side by side on the new machines. Apple promises new levels of performance and reduced power consumption with its in-house processors. The move is seen as a significant shift away from Intel-based silicon in Macs.

Main themes

• Apple's transition to ARM-based processors
• GPU performance and competition
• Mac gaming and iOS app support
• Virtualization and Windows support
• Rosetta 2 and x86 app emulation
• In-house processor advantages and limitations

What commenters say

• The transition to ARM-based processors may allow Apple to take on Nvidia and AMD in the GPU space.
• The ability to run iOS apps natively on Macs could be a significant advantage, but may not improve the Mac gaming experience.
• Apple's Rosetta 2 technology will allow x86 apps to run on ARM-based Macs, but its performance and limitations are unclear.
• The virtualization support announced by Apple may not include Windows, which could be a disappointment for some users.
• The move to ARM-based processors may not be a significant improvement for Mac gaming, which has historically been lacking.
• Apple's in-house processors may allow for more frequent updates and improvements, potentially giving them an edge over traditional console manufacturers.
• The performance of Windows 10 for ARM in emulating x86 apps is poor, and it is unclear how Apple's Rosetta 2 will compare.
• The transition to ARM-based processors may allow Apple to avoid Intel patents and create a more integrated and efficient system.