Apple is actively working on bringing ARM processors to its Mac line, according to French site MacBidouille (via MacRumors). Citing a reliable source, the site claims Apple has several ARM-based Mac computers in the works, including an iMac, a Mac mini, a 13-inch laptop with 4-8 64-bit quad-core ARM processors.
If we can believe these rumours, the aforementioned computers feature a new keyboard and a larger Magic Trackpad.
The MacBidouille report revives earlier rumours of ARM-based Mac computers that have been around for years, and Apple has been playing around with the idea so it seems.
Two years ago, Bloomberg reported that Apple might switch from Intel processors, as the company engineers were confident that the chip designs used for its mobile devices would be powerful enough to run desktops and laptops, people familiar with the matter told the newspaper back then.
There are a couple pro arguments, such as costs and design: for example, Intel’s chips are very expensive, and Apple needs to maintain good margins, to keep its investors happy. Secondly, the current design path of Intel’s chips is allegedly lagging behind where Apple want to be in ultra-mobile, according to Anand Shimpi of AnandTech.
