MacBook Pro 2017 ARM-Based Power-Efficient Laptops To Appear This Year?
Latest reports say that Future Mac laptops are being groomed to be powered by a new chip being designed and developed by Apple. The new ARM chip accordingly, would take on more of the functionality presently handled by Intel processors in current Apple Macs.
According to a recent report by Bloomberg, the design of the chip is similar to the ones now being used in the latest Mac Book Pro to power the Touch Bar feature of the keyboard. Apparently, the chip code-named T310, would handle some of the computer's low-power mode functionality. It is reportedly being built using ARM technology and will work alongside an Intel processor. ARM-based processors are said to dominate the smartphone and tablet markets in this regard because of power-efficiency.
Reportedly, Apple's initial ARM-based Mac chip, known as T1, was introduced last October as a portion of the MacBook Pro update. The chip is said to power the Touch Bar which is a screen built into the keyboard to enable the access to app shortcuts, system settings and emojis. Seemingly, some security features such as the expanse that stores payment and biometric data are connected to the computer's fingerprint reader.
Allegedly, Apple engineers are planning to offload the Mac's low-power mode, a feature advertised as 'Power Nap', in favor of the next-generation ARM-based chip. This function purportedly allows Mac laptops to retrieve e-mails, install software updates, and synchronize calendar appointments even when the display shut. While the present feature apparently consumes little battery life while running on the Intel chip, it is said that more power can be preserved if the company shifts to ARM.
According to BGR, there is no indication yet that Mac will be abandoning Intel chips anytime soon. Reportedly leaving Intel at some point in the future is a scenario being contemplated by Apple, especially with the frustration Apple has experienced with Intel specially in terms of several processor delays.
