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A new investor's note from renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via MacRumeurs) highlights some of the future Apple products. First, and not surprising at all, Kuo says that Apple will trust TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) exclusively for its future A13 and A14 processors on future iPhone models. Again, this should not surprise anyone since Apple is trying to stand out from everything that's been in Samsung for several years now.
What is somewhat surprising and quite interesting is Kuo's claim that Apple could use TSMC to make ARM processors for Mac by 2020. If that sounds familiar to you, it's because we have noticed changes a little time now. Early last year, for example, a report was released that claimed that Apple had a team of engineers solely responsible for designing ARM-based processors for the upcoming Mac laptops.
Does this mean now that Apple is about to abandon Intel processors here two years? Although unlikely, this may well be Apple's ultimate goal. From what we have gathered so far, Apple could first integrate custom ARM chips compatible with Intel processors.
Kuo's note reads in part:
We also expect Mac models to adopt Apple-designed processors from 2020 or 2021, which will create four benefits for Apple: (1) Apple could control everything from Mac design and production to getting rid of negative impacts of Intel processor shipping schedule changes. (2) Better profits thanks to the reduced cost of the processor. (3) Mac's market share increases if Apple lowers the price. (4) This could differentiate Mac products from similar products.
Kuo also writes that Apple could call on TSMC for making chips for the legendary Apple car. If you remember, Apple's interest in automotive now rests on self-driving technologies. And although Apple does not generally discuss future initiatives, Tim Cook last year actually confirmed Apple's work in this area.
In the course of an interview with BloombergCook said that Apple "focused on autonomous systems" and that it was a "core technology that we consider very important".
Kuo adds that an Apple Car could come into being as early as 2023, although there are still many factors that make such an attempt somewhat improbable at this stage.
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