“As we reported earlier this week, often reliable KGI is predicting that Apple will bring its in-house designed A-series processor to an entry-level Mac sometime in 2016 with TSMC and Samsung expected to fab the potential A9X and A10X chips, respectively,” Zac Hall reports for 9ti5Mac. “As the move to put non-Intel chips in the Mac lineup would be a departure for the company, CNBC asked Intel CEO Brian Krzanich about the chip-maker’s business plans with Apple.”
“When asked if he has heard anything to the effect of Apple not using Intel chips for its notebook line down the road or had specific discussions on the topic,” Hall reports, “Krzanich dismissed the notion as persistent rumors declaring that Intel’s ‘relationship with Apple is strong.'”
Hall reports, “Krzanich went on to dismiss the effect news of a potential switch from Intel by Apple had on its stock price earlier in the week.”
More in the full article here.
Related articles:
Five barriers that might keep Apple from moving Macs to custom ARM chips – January 16, 2015
Apple A-series-powered Macs are not only feasible, they may be inevitable – January 15, 2015
Why Apple dumping Intel processors would be disastrous – January 14, 2015
KGI: Apple is designing its own processors for Mac – January 14, 2015
Apple A9-powered MacBook Air? – December 16, 2014
Why Apple will switch to ARM-based Apple A-series-powered Macs – August 27, 2014
Intel-powered Macs: The end is nigh – August 4, 2014
Intel’s Broadwell chips further delayed; not shipping for most Macs until early-mid 2015 – July 9, 2014
Apple will inevitably drop Intel for their own A-series processors in the Mac – June 26, 2014
How long before Apple dumps Intel from MacBook Air? – June 26, 2013
The relationship may be “strong” but that does not mean Apple will hesitate to do this if they feel it will benefit them.
Besides the cost factor, Apple could make a more efficient chip that trades the ability to run legacy Windows software in exchange for longer battery life, lighter or thinner design, and a cheaper laptop.
Imagine a MacBook Air type laptop that was under $800 and lasted an extra hour or two? I imagine there would be a market for this.
often reliable KGI is predicting . . . utter nonsense. So much for their reputation. Let this myth die already.
If Intel’s CEO were to say anything else, it would be career suicide. Even if the rumors were true, this would be a litigious announcement.
I agree with you that it’s a myth, nonsense.
If my memory serves me, there was a time when intel and m$oft conspired quite heavily to kill Apple off more than once. I believe they have been gritting their teeth over this supplier for years. What if Mr. Jobs left instructions to eventually part ways and put the final nail in winTel’s coffin. The windows spiral will make it irrelevant soon anyway.
If Apple gave up intel. It would breath new life into Microsoft. It’s Apples adoption if Intel chips, that allowed people to realize that they didn’t have to buy WIntel systems, when they could buy AppTel systems instead.
Apple went with Intel, when the PPC couldn’t move forward. They were stuck on the G4 on the PowerBook, and the G5 on the PowerMac. There was no more room for growth. The PowerPC was an Apple/Motorola/IBM combined project. Much like the Itainium was an HP/Intel project. These crossover’s are design by committee, which you know isn’t a good idea.
Apple does not have the same problems with Intel. You don’t switch because you want to. You switch because you have to.
You mean like how the retina air is delayed for almost two years waiting on Intel?
Since Apple isn’t talking, is that the reason, or is there no need for a retina air? Is it pretty conclusive that we are all waiting for the new Intel CPU, which recently came out, and now we can expect, not only a retina Air, but a 12″ iPad? I see the writing on the wall, but I try not to second guess what Apple want’s to do.
Apple has made many transitions they didn’t “need” to, but which led to a better product.
When Apple switched to Intel they did need to, but not because they wanted Windows compatibility but because IBM was not moving the PowerPC forward in the desktop fast enough.
Windows compatibility certainly was a good selling point, but Apple can continue selling higher end Intel Macs. For many customers, especially consumers, Mac and phone/tablet compatibility is now much more important than Mac/Windows compatibility.
Many people would love to switch AWAY from Windows if given a slightly less expensive MacBook Air.
Apple has all the pieces in place to deal another big blow to Intel and Microsoft, and it will help Apple to continue to grow despite its size.
Alan Kay quote that Steve like to reference:
“People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware.”
Another point Steve made many times is that Apple seeks to control all the technology in its products. Apple will do whatever results in the best products down the road, and not worry about temporary hurdles, industry “wisdom” or Apple doubters.
Loss of Windows/Intel compatibility (in some entry level Macs) will make many people’s blood pressure go up, but backward compatibility is something Apple regularly drops despite industry and existing customer shock.
New chips would go into a product designed for a new generation of Windows to Mac switchers and ease of using Mac OS and iOS devices together will be the carrot, not Mac OS/Windows.