Lightweight 12-Inch MacBook Featuring Apple Silicon is Reportedly Releasing This Year

A new report indicates that Apple’s first MacBook powered by the company’s very own silicon is expected to launch this year. The MacBook is described to be a 12-inch model and weighs less than one kilogram.

News of the reported MacBook comes from MacRumors who translated a story from The China Times. Based on the translations, the device will be Apple’s first ARM-based Mac, using the A14X processor. The piece of silicon has been referred by its codename “Tonga”.  The MacBook is said to support USB-C and have a battery life of 15-20 hours.

The full snippet of translated news is as follows: “According to Apple’s supply chain, Apple is expected to launch a Macbook with a 12-inch Retina Display at the end of this year, using its self-developed and designed A14X processor, with the development code of Tonga, supporting a USB Type-C interface and weighing less than 1 kilogram, because of the low-power advantage of the Arm-based processor. The Macbook battery lasts 15 to 20 hours. The A14X processor will also be used in the new generation iPad Pro tablet.”

Previous reports do line up with the latest from The China Times. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously said Apple is planning to launch the first MacBook featuring its own silicon in late 2020 or early 2021. However, Kuo’s notes state that Apple would be releasing a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro. Though, he has suggested that a MacBook Air with the ARM-base processor could release within Q4 or in early 2021. It may be that the 12-inch lightweight MacBook is being categorized as a MacBook Air.

During WWDC, Apple announced that it would be transitioning from Intel-based processors and towards using its own silicon over the next two years.

P.S. - Like our news? Support the site with a coffee/beer. Or shop with our Amazon link. We use affiliate links when possible--thank you for supporting independent media.