Will Apple launch an iOS-based ARM powered laptop?

Apple plans to start planting ARM processors in laptops which would usher in a departure from Intel chips that currently power its MacBook Pros.

SemiAccurate reported that Apple is due to move its line of laptops and possibly desktops to ARM-based chips.

AppleInsider reported that is the site which in July 2009 reported that Apple would move away from Nvidia chipsets. Apple's MacBook Pro and iMacs currently run on AMD Radeon graphics.

If the rumor proves right the move from Intel to ARM chips would be a strategic shift, towards Apple integrating all its devices around a single OS. Currently Apple's key iOS-based products iPad and iPhone are powered by ARM chips.

The move to plant ARM chips in MacBook Pro could actually usher in an iOS-based laptop. Since Mac OS X has been written to tap into Intel x86 chips the possibility of using an ARM chip in such a form is remote as it would require major re do of Mac OS X. However, crafting an Ios-based laptop ground up seems to be more plausible an idea.

Apple's strategy lately has been to integrate key features from iOS to Mac OS X. The opening of an iOS styled Apps Store for Mac OS X was the starting point of such integration.

The Mac Store experience was touted to be similar to its App Store when it was announced in October. In a letter issued to developers in December 2010 announcing the discontinuation of Mac OS X Download site to pave way for Mac App Store Apple stated: Like on iPad, you purchase apps using your iTunes account and they download and install in just one step. App updates are delivered directly through the Mac App Store.

In October 2010 Apple launched its new 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air models. Both the models loaned key features from iPad like solid state storage technology. Also Apple's recently released Mac OS X Lion imported a host of features like Launchpad and Full screen mode from iOS. Thus Apple is attempting to create a unified experience for users across its devices and OS platform.

Apple also gave a sneak-peek of its Mac OS X at the Back to the Mac event. Apple CEO Steve Jobs stated: Lion brings many of the best ideas from iPad back to the Mac, plus some fresh new ones like Mission Control that Mac users will really like.

Generally users have been averse to moving to Mac OS X from Windows. Thus replicating the same experience and interface that users find on iPad and iPhone on Mac OS X would allow easy transition for users to Mac OS X. Apple is attempting to craft a unified experience for its users.

In this context, an ARM-based MacBook Pro or laptop which runs on iOS could be a reality. It would allow Apple to slowly move its laptop users to more expensive Mac OS X desktops. This bodes well with Apple's strategy whereby Apple attempts to move its iOS users to its high-margin Mac OS X-based devices. Apple through its entry level products like iPod and iPhone gives users a taste of its ecosystem and then allows them to migrate to high-end products.