“There was quite a buzz late this month generated by the news Apple (AAPL) added a few lines to the code that provide support for Marvell Technology Group’s (MRVL) new quad-core Armada XP processor,” Paul McWilliams reports for MoneyShow.
“Speculation was rampant and included rumors there was a new MacBook Air in the works that would use MRVL in place of the current Intel (INTC) offering,” McWilliams reports. “Other rumors suggested AAPL was in the process of designing a new server to be used for internal applications like iTunes or the new iCloud.”
McWilliams writes, “As I wrote several years ago, when AAPL purchased Palo Alto Semiconductor (PA Semi), and reiterated when AAPL bought an architectural license from ARM Holdings (ARMH), I think there is a risk that AAPL will move its computing platform to an internally designed ARMH core chip. However, due to the acceleration of INTC’s roadmap, I think the date of that risk has been at least pushed out, if not averted entirely.”
“So, if not the MacBook Air or a new server design, the question lingers—why would AAPL adapt for the new MRVL processor? As I see it, there are two rational reasons. One would be to evaluate the MRVL chip in comparison to an upcoming AAPL-designed quad-core processor,” McWilliams writes. “The second possibility I see is using MRVL in an entirely new iOS device—maybe the rumored iTV. While it would seem that a quad-core processor would be overkill for a TV, I think we have to assume that if AAPL in fact releases a TV under its brand name, it will be quite different from what we’re used to seeing.”
Read more in the full article here.
[Attribution: Minyanville. Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Ellis D” for the heads up.]
Related article:
Hidden code in Apple’s Xcode reveals support for quad-core ARM CPUs for future iPhones, iPads, maybe even MacBook Airs – September 23, 2011
Captain Marvell of Marvel Comics had cosmic awareness. He knew everything. Maybe Apple’s future tv will give us a window into everything in the universe.
I’m waiting for the Wolverine processor with the adamantium traces.
Fanciful article but alas untrue. ARM will never replace Intel CPUs on Macs for the foreseeable future. What would be the logic of that? None as I can see. You’ll have to recompile OS X and for what benefit? Apple is already buying the Sandy Bridge chipset at enormous discounts from Intel. Contracting out ARM manufacturing to Samsung (likely) or to TSMC would involve similar costs.
Don’t kid yourself, Mac OS X is already running on ARM inside Apple’s R&D. I wouldn’t bet against Apple possibly releasing a a new desktop platform for ‘lite’ computer use. Something between a Mac and an iPad. Simpler UI of the iPad, but not touch based; mouse and keyboard driven.
However, the Marvell SoC is probably just a placeholder for testing, while they’re still ironing out the A6.
hypothetical MDN poster, 2005-ish timeframe: “Fanciful article but alas untrue. Intel will never replace PowerPC CPUs on Macs for the foreseeable future. What would be the logic of that? None as I can see. You’ll have to recompile OS X and for what benefit?”
Apple had prototype Macs using Intel chips from the very first days of OS X. So you can’t tell me they’re not at least trying out ARM-based prototype Macs. If nothing else, they need to make sure they can follow through on their (not-so-) veiled threats to Intel, if Intel lets them down the same way IBM let them down with the PowerPC G5.
” … I think there is a risk that AAPL will move its computing platform to an internally designed ARMH core chip. However, due to the acceleration of INTC’s roadmap, I think the date of that risk has been at least pushed out, if not averted entirely.”
Wrong. Apple’s simply moving one small step at a time.
Stevo has stated clearly Apple intends to ship products that are proprietary and “Can’t simply be copied with a software update”. As the MS. vs. Apple case made clear, years ago, copyright laws won’t protect the intellectual property of mere software, leaving manufacturers free to copy everything Apple puts out within weeks. This is why Apple bought PA Semi – to design and implement custom products at the hardware level where their innovations *can* be protected.
Apple is moving steadily away from the existing era of using open architecture chips such as those currently produced en-mass by Intel, AMD, IBM, or whoever. They use only custom A5 chips in their new devices. In the name of protecting their secrets+control+security they have shut out devs from access to the codebase of iOS. They will continue slowly toward this same objective in MacOSX as fast as products and general acceptance allows. (IE: This whole “FlashBack Trojan” issue could have been avoided *if* all software updates came from a single verified secure source … the iTunes Apps store, of course). If they move too quickly at removing side-loading of Apps on Macs the buying public would balk, but one day all Macs will also contain custom fabricated chips and be limited to buying Apps from iTunes (locked down). Sadly, this will mean devs will only be able to leverage whatever features Apple sees fit to allow, but on the flipside Macs will keep their reliable virus-free status. Apple’s response will be typically flat, “If you want open architecture, and all the malware that goes with it … go ahead, buy a PC.
“but one day all Macs…will be limited to buying Apps from iTunes (locked down).”
Yes, that’s the way I see it too. Likewise, one day, you’ll only be able to log into your mac via an AppleID and it’ll boot from the cloud.
Seems to me the door is wide-open for another manufacturer to move into the market producing an unix-based OS on a box with similar quality and feel to the current macs (maybe Samsung might consider it…;) ) – I know I’ve already started considering my options since the advent of Lion; it’s just a matter of finding a decent alternative.
You know someone had to break their NDA for this fact to be public.
Those few lines were found in source code available from Apple’s open source repository for clang, no NDA needed.
Less choice now to Apple in the unix World than for some time, just cant compete I cant see that changing anytime son.