2018 Macs Might Feature ARM Coprocessors

Apple is expected to launch new Macs later this year and if a new report is to be believed, the 2018 Macs might feature an ARM coprocessor for increased security. The company is said to be working on at least three new Mac models which will feature an ARM coprocessor. It’s pertinent to mention here that Apple isn’t shifting to ARM processors completely for Macs, these models will retain their primary Intel chips.

These coprocessors will reportedly be similar to the T2 and T1 chips in the iMac Pro and the 2016 MacBook Pro respectively. The report doesn’t mention which product lines will be getting this new coprocessor, only that at least three models are being developed with Apple-designed chips and that they include two laptops and a new desktop.

Given that the T2 coprocessor is already present in the iMac Pro, it’s possible that the desktop mentioned in this report is the Mac Pro. However, one cannot rule out a refreshed model of the iMac that could feature a new ARM coprocessor as well.

The T1 chip currently used in the MacBook Pro is responsible for managing the Touch Bar and Touch ID components as well as the Secure Enclave. The iMac Pro’s chip goes one step further as it secures the OS with Secure Boot, works as the image signal processor for the FaceTime camera, and performs a couple of other functions as well.

Bloomberg’s report mentions that two laptop models will receive a new ARM coprocessor this year, so perhaps we might see a new 12 inch MacBook and a new MacBook Air, but there’s no indication as yet about any planned updates for the MacBook Air.

More information about this might come up if Apple is really planning on doing this. Apple hasn’t commented on this report.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: Apple, Computers
Tags: ARM, iMac