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Apple is planning to ditch Intel’s processors from its Macs and replace them with its own chips.
The US tech giant plans to begin using its own technology in its Macs as early as 2020, according to Bloomberg. The initiative, reportedly code-named Kalamata, is still in early developmental stages but is in keeping with Apple’s overall strategy to have its devices working more similarly and seamlessly together.
Apple has used Intel chips in its Macs since 2005, however the company has regularly been reported to be working on its own chips. The move away from Intel follows years of increasing focus on Apple designing its own chips for its devices. The company has been designing its own iPhone processors since the release of the iPhone 4 in 2010 and has steadily increased the amount of chip work it handles itself.
Intel chips are currently some of the only major processor components designed by others inside Apple’s product portfolio. All iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs use main processors designed by Apple and based on technology from Arm Holdings.
Many analysts, quoted by Reuters, said that Apple would likely phase Intel’s chips out over time. “While it’s possible that Apple may replace Intel in some of its lower-end product lines, we think it will be difficult for Apple to completely replace Intel by 2020, especially on its higher-end offerings,” said Summit Insights group analyst Kinngai Chan.
Intel shares dropped as much as 9.2 per cent, the biggest intraday drop in more than two years, on the news.
