Apple Reportedly Working On An ARM Powered MacBook Air
Macotakara is reporting that Apple is working on an ARM Cortex A9 (or as Apple likes to call them A5) based MacBook Air. The ARM-based A5 is the same processor currently used in the iPad 2, and is expected to make it’s way to the next-generation iPhone this fall.
The report goes on to note that they are uncertain as to which operating system this A5-based Air was running, and they claim that the machine was manufactured by Quanta Computer.
Now, if you incorporate two recent reports with this claim, a semi-believable picture begins to form. First, a few weeks back we heard that Apple was indeed working on transitioning their portable lines to ARM-based processors, away from Intel. Then, in recent days, we’ve heard reports that Intel is very interested in manufacturing other’s chips for them, acting as a sort of foundry.
On the flip side however, there have been recent reports that Intel is working to bring the wattage of their chips from 35 watts to 10-15 watts. A chip with power consumption like that, would be perfect for Apple’s ultra-portable uses.
In other words, I still can’t see Apple making this transition. However, if they would do it, they could still maintain a relationship with Intel and have them manufacture the chips. Everyone still makes money that way.
This will be interesting to watch play out.
