Apple may be readying to launch a major refresh of its line of Mac laptop and desktop computers.
The iPhone maker could release three new Mac models by the end of 2018 that feature custom processors made by Apple, Bloomberg reported, citing sources close to the situation.
Specifically, Apple would release one new Mac desktop and two new MacBooks.
The company has brought its custom chips to the iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and other devices, but it has been slow to introduce its in-house co-processors to the Mac.
Apple in 2016 began building its custom T1 chip into high-end MacBook Pro models to power its Touch Bar and Touch ID technologies.
The Touch Bar is an organic LED touch screen that replaces the function keys on some MacBook models.
Apple added its second-generation custom processor, the T2, to its iMac Pro last year.
The T2 controls the boot process, audio and camera processing, as well as encryption.
Industry watchers believe it won’t be long before Apple designs the entire central processing unit, Bloomberg noted.
If that happens, chip giant Intel would lose its fifth-largest customer.
Apple is also embroiled in a complicated legal fight with Intel’s rival chipmaker, Qualcomm, after it alleged that Qualcomm was collecting unfair royalties for ‘technologies they have nothing to do with.’
Qualcomm supplies modem chips for Apple’s flagship iPhone devices.
Simply put, Apple would have plenty of reasons to work toward putting its own, custom-made chips in each and every one of its devices.
Being able to rely on its own chips would give Apple greater control over its supply chain, while allowing it to further differentiate its products from competitors.
Apple’s custom processors already outperform many of its rivals, but it’s unlikely that the tech giant could just quit using Intel’s chips anytime soon, the Verge noted.
Additionally, as Apple spruces up its line of Macs, the company has reportedly considered killing off another mainstay laptop.
The company may be preparing to shutter the MacBook Air, a little over ten years after the device was first released.
In its place, Apple would release a brand new, 13-inch laptop toward the end of 2018.
Apple discreetly discontinued the 11-inch version of the MacBook Air in 2016 at the same time that it announced two new, 13-inch MacBook Pro models.
If Apple is truly planning to release two new MacBook models, then it wouldn’t be terribly surprising to see it discontinue the 13-inch MacBook Air.
