Apple Silicon Rumors: Intel Counting The Days, Backing Apple Transition To Silicon

Apple has finally lowered the boom although it will take them time to transition away from Intel processors. The day that the chip processor is finally here with the Cupertino company officially announcing the transition of the Mac to its world-class silicon based on ARM designs. This is the same one used by the company on its smartphones and mobile tablets.

The move will give Apple better control over their hardware and software moving forward. The first glimpse of this will be seen later this year when the first silicon-based Mac will be shipped out. However, it will take about two years for the company to complete the transition, meaning Intel is not entirely out of the picture. They will continue to be around, supporting Apple across several areas of business. Despite the revelation of Apple Silicon, Intel still claims that its processors still provide a better experience, Apple Insider reported.

"We believe Intel-powered PCs— like those based on our forthcoming Tiger Lake mobile platform— provide global customers the best experience in the areas they value most, as well as the most open platform for developers, both today and into the future," an Intel spokesperson said.

Moving forward, Intel will have the chance to show that. According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, they are not cutting off Intel. There will still be Intel-based Macs coming out – move that would broaden choices for end-users.

A concern moving forward is how existing apps will be compatible with Apple Silicon. To make the transition safer, Apple has also introduced macOS Big Sur. This is the next big major release for the macOS, one that will aid in the smooth transition to Apple silicon. Through it, developers can convert their existing apps to run with Apple silicon. Looking ahead, this also means that developers will be able to make iOS and iPadOS apps available on Mac without needed modifications according to Apple’s official release.

Developers will have their share of transitioning as they try to adapt the shift as well. Apple will be launching the App Quick Start Program to guide them through the shift. This will include access to documentation, forums, support, beta versions of macOS Big Sur and Xcode 12. They will also be given limited use of a Developer Transition Kit (DTK). This is a Mac development system based on Apple’s A12Z Bionic System on a Chip (SoC).

Apple will be busy in the coming months, same with developers. As for Intel, it is something that they may support but a threat in terms of their hold on the market. Microsoft and Google are also trying to develop their chips, flags that hint at the looming end of Intel’s dominance in the chip market.