Apple WWDC: Apple switches to its own custom \'Apple Silicon\' processors for future Mac computers

Info-tech

Apple WWDC: Apple switches to its own custom 'Apple Silicon' processors for future Mac computers

BL Internet Desk Reuters June 22 | Updated on June 23, 2020 Published on June 23, 2020

Apple CEO Tim Cook delivers the keynote address during the 2020 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) at Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California   -  Handout via Reuters

The silicon switch brings the Mac into line with the company's iPhone and iPads, which already use Apple-designed chips.

Apple on Monday announced the switch to its own custom processor called 'Apple Silicon' for its future Mac computers, signalling the transition away from a nearly 15-year hardware alliance with Intel for Mac computer processors.

'Apple Silicon' macOS devices is coming to developers by the end of the week, to users by the end of the year and the complete transition to Apple silicon is going to take place in the next two years, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced at the keynote address of Apple's annual developer conference WWDC. 

Tim Cook mentioned the three milestones along Apple's journey being its transition to Power PC, Mac OS, and Intel processors over the years before mentioning the transition to Apple's in-house processor- 'Apple Silicon', which was a highly anticipated announcement ahead of WWDC.

macOS software like Apple's own Final Cut Pro X and third-party applications like Adobe's creative suite were shown working on macOS 'Big Sur' OS on an 'Apple Silicon' based mac device.

The processor switch will now bring Mac devices in line with Apple's iPhone and iPads, which already use its custom designed ARM processors.

This is the first time in 31 years that Apple is holding the event virtually, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The event started with live Apple memoji's across the globe signifying the many developers logged in and finished at the Apple Park where Apple CEO Tim Cook took the stage, taking a stand against racism and police brutality, before moving into the various aspects of the keynote address.

Reuters adds

At the event, Apple announced a new system that lets users share digital car keys with friends and family members via the company's iMessage system, will work with BMW 5 Series vehicles.

The system will work with phones running the current iOS 13 operating system so that owners can start using it when BMW vehicles arrive. Apple said more cars that work with the system will come to market next year.

Apple also updated its mapping application with information about electric vehicle charging stations, working with BMW and Ford Motor Co to show stations compatible with the user's vehicle.

Apple also added new privacy protections, saying it would let users only share their approximate location with app developers and that it would require those developers to seek permission before sharing user data with other apps and websites. Apple also said it would require a privacy and security label, akin to a food nutrition label, to be shown to users before they download apps.

Published on June 23, 2020

A letter from the Editor

Dear Readers,

The coronavirus crisis has changed the world completely in the last few months. All of us have been locked into our homes, economic activity has come to a near standstill. Everyone has been impacted.

Including your favourite business and financial newspaper. Our printing and distribution chains have been severely disrupted across the country, leaving readers without access to newspapers. Newspaper delivery agents have also been unable to service their customers because of multiple restrictions.

In these difficult times, we, at BusinessLine have been working continuously every day so that you are informed about all the developments – whether on the pandemic, on policy responses, or the impact on the world of business and finance. Our team has been working round the clock to keep track of developments so that you – the reader – gets accurate information and actionable insights so that you can protect your jobs, businesses, finances and investments.

We are trying our best to ensure the newspaper reaches your hands every day. We have also ensured that even if your paper is not delivered, you can access BusinessLine in the e-paper format – just as it appears in print. Our website and apps too, are updated every minute, so that you can access the information you want anywhere, anytime.

But all this comes at a heavy cost. As you are aware, the lockdowns have wiped out almost all our entire revenue stream. Sustaining our quality journalism has become extremely challenging. That we have managed so far is thanks to your support. I thank all our subscribers – print and digital – for your support.

I appeal to all or readers to help us navigate these challenging times and help sustain one of the truly independent and credible voices in the world of Indian journalism. Doing so is easy. You can help us enormously simply by subscribing to our digital or e-paper editions. We offer several affordable subscription plans for our website, which includes Portfolio, our investment advisory section that offers rich investment advice from our highly qualified, in-house Research Bureau, the only such team in the Indian newspaper industry.

A little help from you can make a huge difference to the cause of quality journalism!

Support Quality Journalism
Fitch revises outlook on Airtel to negative from stable