The rumor mill has Apple introducing its Arm-based custom chips for Macs at WWDC, and it’s thought that the first Arm-based Macs will be a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro and an iMac with a redesigned form factor that could launch in the fourth quarter of 2020 or early in 2021 at the earliest.
Per Bloomberg
(1) ARM13.3-inchMacBookPro:
The new model’s form factor design will be similar to that of the existing Intel 13.3-inch MacBook Pro. Apple will discontinue the Intel 13.3-inch MacBook Pro production after launching the ARM 13.3-inch MacBook Pro.(2) ARMiMac:
ARM iMac will be equipped with the all-new form factor design and a 24- inch display. Apple will launch the refresh of existing Intel iMac in 3Q20 before launching the ARM iMac.
Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has speculated that the Arm-based 13-inch MacBook Pro will be similar to the current 13-inch MacBook Pro, with Apple eventually discontinuing the Intel version. It’s thought that the updated, Arm-based iMac will incorporate an all-new form factor design and a 24-inch display.
Prior to the launch of the Arm-based iMac, Apple will refresh the existing Intel iMac in the third quarter of 2020, which is in line with rumors we’ve been hearing about an iMac refresh that could happen over the course of WWDC this week.
Starting in 2021, Kuo says that all new Mac models will be equipped with Apple processors, and that it will take 12 to 18 months for Apple to transition to an all-Arm lineup.
Kuo has also speculated that a MacBook notebook with a mini-LED display could launch in the first half of 2021.
Finally, Kuo has stated that Apple’s custom designed chips, planned mini-LED displays, and scissor switch keyboard will “create competitive advantages for MacBook models in two years” with mini-LED technology significantly improving the user experience.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.