Apple will unveil plans to convert Macs to its own design of ARM processors at WWDC 2020, with the aim of allowing developers have time to prepare ARM version of macOS app, Tianfeng International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts.
Kuo updated his analysis on ARM Mac models, new iMac models today.
Regarding the ARM version of the Mac, Kuo expects the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro and the new 24-inch iMac will be the first ARM Mac hardware products to feature Apple's 5nm processor.
He expects these products to be available as soon as the end of the fourth quarter of 2020 or the beginning of the first quarter of 2021, with ARM Macs' performance up 50-100% over Intel Macs.
Kuo said the ARM version of the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro looks similar to the Intel version of 13.3-inch MacBook Pro, and that Apple will produce the ARM 13.3-inch MacBook Pro when it is ready while discontinuing production of the Intel 13.3-inch MacBook Pro.
The ARM iMac will have a new design and 24-inch display. Before the ARM iMac launches, Apple will launch an updated model of the Intel iMac in the third quarter of 2020, he said.
It's worth noting that Kuo predicts that starting in 2021, all new Mac models will be equipped with Apple's newest processors.
He expects that within 12-18 months, all Mac models will be converted to ARM, and a redesigned MacBook will be available in the second half of 2021.
Kuo believes that thanks to Apple processors, mini LED displays and scissor-foot keyboards, the MacBook will be competitive for the next two years.
Kuo expects Apple to release a new MacBook with a mini LED display as soon as the first half of 2021.
In terms of shipments, Kuo predicts that MacBook shipments will increase by 30 percent in the third quarter of 2020. Thanks to the addition of Apple processors and mini LEDs, future MacBook shipments and market share are expected to see significant growth.
