ARM MacBook would have many challenges - it would also have to be able to run Windows programs and more importantly able to recompile applications for OS on the same machine.
Apple has rumors of attempting an ARM based Mac - but so far ARM is using in display controllers for 5K screens and in iOS products. Apples wants people to believe that iPad Pro's are PC replacements - but they no more that glorified iPad's. The new iPad is good example of this and has same Apple Pencil and probably faster that original iPad Pro.
I remember using Photoshop on the first Intel Macbook in 2006, it was translated from PowerPC code using Rosetta. This was in OS X, not Windows. The OS X Intel (Universal) port arrived two years later. The translated version was surprisingly bearable to use on a Macbook even when compared to the PowerPC native port running on a top-spec G4 Powerbook.
Rosetta saved the translated code so it wouldn't be so slow on subsequent running. Apple could do the same thing to get OS X Intel code working on an ARM Macbook, just like what Qualcomm and Microsoft are doing on Windows Snapdragon PCs.
As for coding, Xcode has iOS ARM targets so adding a MacOS ARM variant shouldn't be difficult. I'm not sure about Windows on ARM Macbooks though. Apple might be willing to drive away that user segment because it's so small and niche.
I believe Apple makes it's announcements in June They would be foolish not to release the 6 core mobile MacBook Pro update - they would not wanted to compete with new Windows notebooks using 6 cores.
On the Apple move for own CPU, I think it only going release in low end Mac line if so - possible in the iOS line. Apple has always blindly want people to believe iPad Pro are desktop replacements - but until those devices can actually successfully run the Mac development tools that allow developers to create iOS applications, Apple is dream - in any ask espected processing power is expected to be very limited.
Another big concern that Mac line has to live with Windows compatibily - Mac are good for limited purpose - which Apple has been very good at - primary in schools - but also in graphics industry but that is no longer the case. There are other options - especially in schools.
I don't understand the designation of certain chips as i3, i5, i7, i9 on mobile recently. At least on desktop you can immediately identify how many cores and threads they have (outside of HEDT). It seems so arbitrary on mobile now.
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HStewart - Saturday, April 7, 2018 - link
"It took a few years before big programs like Photoshop had native Mac Intel ports."Wrong... Photoshop originally was created on Mac and later ported to Windows.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adobe_Photoshop#Earl...
ARM MacBook would have many challenges - it would also have to be able to run Windows programs and more importantly able to recompile applications for OS on the same machine.
Apple has rumors of attempting an ARM based Mac - but so far ARM is using in display controllers for 5K screens and in iOS products. Apples wants people to believe that iPad Pro's are PC replacements - but they no more that glorified iPad's. The new iPad is good example of this and has same Apple Pencil and probably faster that original iPad Pro.
serendip - Sunday, April 8, 2018 - link
I remember using Photoshop on the first Intel Macbook in 2006, it was translated from PowerPC code using Rosetta. This was in OS X, not Windows. The OS X Intel (Universal) port arrived two years later. The translated version was surprisingly bearable to use on a Macbook even when compared to the PowerPC native port running on a top-spec G4 Powerbook.Rosetta saved the translated code so it wouldn't be so slow on subsequent running. Apple could do the same thing to get OS X Intel code working on an ARM Macbook, just like what Qualcomm and Microsoft are doing on Windows Snapdragon PCs.
As for coding, Xcode has iOS ARM targets so adding a MacOS ARM variant shouldn't be difficult. I'm not sure about Windows on ARM Macbooks though. Apple might be willing to drive away that user segment because it's so small and niche.
FunBunny2 - Tuesday, April 3, 2018 - link
"A non Intel based Mac will never replace high end mac"again. they've been on 3 processors so far.
HStewart - Saturday, April 7, 2018 - link
I believe Apple makes it's announcements in June They would be foolish not to release the 6 core mobile MacBook Pro update - they would not wanted to compete with new Windows notebooks using 6 cores.On the Apple move for own CPU, I think it only going release in low end Mac line if so - possible in the iOS line. Apple has always blindly want people to believe iPad Pro are desktop replacements - but until those devices can actually successfully run the Mac development tools that allow developers to create iOS applications, Apple is dream - in any ask espected processing power is expected to be very limited.
Another big concern that Mac line has to live with Windows compatibily - Mac are good for limited purpose - which Apple has been very good at - primary in schools - but also in graphics industry but that is no longer the case. There are other options - especially in schools.
Tyler_Durden_83 - Tuesday, April 3, 2018 - link
Which sku do you think will power the next nucs (the normal ones, not the gaming oriented hades canyon ofc).TheBestPessimist - Tuesday, April 3, 2018 - link
+1 i'd love to know that as well.abrowne1993 - Tuesday, April 3, 2018 - link
I don't understand the designation of certain chips as i3, i5, i7, i9 on mobile recently. At least on desktop you can immediately identify how many cores and threads they have (outside of HEDT). It seems so arbitrary on mobile now.DanNeely - Tuesday, April 3, 2018 - link
It's always been a lot more arbitrary on mobile with significant spec differences at each branding level depending on the TDP.edzieba - Tuesday, April 3, 2018 - link
Absence of Z390 is interesting, many were expecting that alongside the H/Q/B PCHs.FunBunny2 - Tuesday, April 3, 2018 - link
they really ought to come up with a different name. this one is a mashup of ancient IBM Big Iron. not, I'd wager, the image they seek.