Apple’s New Macs Could Change Computers As You Know Them

This story is part of Apple event, our comprehensive coverage of the latest news from Apple HQ.

Apple should announce the first chip-powered computers that look more like an iPhone than a regular PC. That alone is exciting for techies, but it’s also a sign of what’s possible to come, whether you buy a Mac or not. IPhone maker said it will change the brains of his computers over the next two years. Starting with the computers it is likely to unveil on Tuesday, Apple will throw its weight behind its own self-made chips.

Most people might not care about changing a small chip in their Mac computer, but it could mean big changes for Apple and the tech industry as well. Over the past 14 years, Apple was based on chips made by Intel to power his laptops and desktops. Before the end of the year, Apple announced that it would start shipping computers with chips similar to its iPhones and iPads. Chips which Apple says are more energy efficient allow for potentially smaller and thinner designs, longer battery life, and new technology.

“Our vision for the Mac has always been to embrace breakthrough innovation and have the courage to make bold changes,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said when announcing the new initiative. earlier this summer. He added that Apple’s own chips would usher in new technology and “peak performance” in computers. “Every time we’ve done this, the Mac has gotten stronger and more capable,” he said.

Apple declined to comment on its upcoming event.

For Apple, this moment is one that has been brewing for more than a decade. The question that hangs over Apple since the death of its co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011 is what will follow. Jobs introduced the Mac computer, the iMac all-in-one desktop, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad. Apple’s biggest product launch since is the Apple Watch, which has grown into a huge company, surpassing the entire Swiss watch industry last year by a huge margin. Yet this is not an iPhone-like breach in the universe.

By combining all of its devices under the same chips and common code, Apple will be able to deliver an experience that truly extends to its desktops, laptops, phones and watches. Apple has previously said that app developers will be able to build an app and send it to all devices, with adjustments for keyboard and mouse over touch and finger gestures.

The result can be further blurring of the lines between what a computer is and what it is supposed to do.

The changes are already starting with Apple’s latest computer software, MacOS 11 Big Sur, which brings even more similar looks, icons and sounds iOS software that powers an iPhone on the computer.

“With the current Mac, it’s Mac versus PC,” said Carolina Milanesi, analyst at Creative Strategies. “Now if it behaves like an iPhone, I can handle it as an extension of my ios devices. “

What may come

Apple says its transition to new chips can be a bit bumpy, as app developers change the way their apps are coded to work with this new machine. In the meantime, Apple promises that most of the software we all use, including web browsers, photo and movie editors from all kinds of companies, and even Microsoft’s popular Office suite of programs, will work on the new machines. since the first day.

What is likely to change more than anything is outside the laptop and desktop. Apple iPhones and iPads don’t have fans to keep their chips cool. Analysts are betting that if Apple can pull off the same trick with its computers, the fans who take up space and force the laptop to be thicker could be gone.

But aside from those changes and assumptions about detachable laptop-iPad hybrids, Apple watchers seem to have a hard time coming up with any design change ideas. (Author’s note: Apple, please report MagSafe magnetic charging cables to laptops. Pretty please.)

Another longer term game may be the integration of cellular service into these types of mobile chips. Computers with built-in cellular radios are niche products at best, but these types of processors are designed to work with cellular radios. People buy connected iPads all the time – a connected MacBook Air is not a big step forward.

While it won’t be coming out anytime soon, carriers will likely be eager to bring 5G into the next generation of Apple’s silicon-based MacBooks.

New way to pay

Apple is getting better-than-expected performance and power efficiency by switching to its own chips and moving away from Intel’s. It will also be able to tune its software more closely to work with its specialized chips, for example.

Apple will also be able to handle manufacturing.

“When you control your own destiny and control your own parts, you can save money,” said Bob O’Donnell, analyst at Technalysis Research.

In general, he says, chip prices are at least 20% of the cost of a laptop. And if Apple turns those savings into a lower price, it could attract new people who simply won’t pay or can’t afford the company’s laptops, which start at $ 999.

It can also spark consumer interest and stimulate competition from other PC manufacturers, who have played with the use of cell phone chips in computers so far.

But the Apple credit card could be the company’s real asset up its sleeve, analysts say. Putting Macs on an interest-free two-year installment plan could get people hooked on buying a computer for around $ 42 a month.

“Bringing the Mac into a larger population could be huge,” O’Donnell said.

Either way, Apple’s move is sure to make waves, both showing us the power of its iPhone chips and potentially prompting the industry to change its devices to keep pace.