14 DAY TRIAL // One of Microsoft’s Windows 10 expansion plans involves bringing the operating system on ARM chips as part of a project that could hit the shelves later this year, and now it turns out that Apple is also expanding its efforts into this area for future laptops.
Bloomberg reports that Apple is currently working on a low-power ARM chip that would be installed on an upgraded model for the MacBook Pro coming sometime later this year.
The whole purpose is to offer longer battery life on the new-generation MacBook, which was often criticized by reviewers and users alike for its poor autonomy. The existing MacBook Pro models with Touch Bar and Touch ID do feature a custom ARM chip called T1, but Apple is aiming for a new low-power unit that would be specifically optimized to handle tasks such as background activity.
All-in on improved battery life
What Apple is trying to do with the new chip is adopt an approach similar to the iPhone. The latest iPhone models employ what is being called a co-processor which handles processes or components that do not require high CPU power, such as the sensors or Siri. This way, the iPhone can extend its battery life by keeping the main chip on standby, while the co-processor takes care of essential tasks.
The new low-power chip is called T310, so it’s likely to be an upgraded version of the T1, with insiders saying that engineers are specifically focused on optimizing it for lower-power mode, which Apple markets as “Power Nap.”
Just like everything Apple, Cupertino doesn’t wish to comment on these rumors, but the new chip could make its debut later this year on the revamped MacBook Pro models.
Other upgrades for the MacBook Pro lineup are expected as well in addition to the low-power chip, including a RAM boost to 32GB plus Kaby Lake chips for a substantial performance increase.
There’s no information regarding the target date for the release of the upgraded laptops, but the fall of 2017, one year after the debut of the existing models, seems to be the right timing.