Apple may unveil a line of cheaper MacBooks soon as the company was reportedly working on ARM-based OS X computers, including the iMac and Mac Mini.
Apple seemed to be making a switch from Intel to ARM chips. BGR cited French website MacBidouille, which stated that Apple already built "Mac prototypes featuring between four and eight 64-bit quad-core ARM processors, and a new keyboard that incorporates a larger Magic Trackpad."
The reports added that although it seemed that the devices were on the testing stage, Apple has no plans to announce it yet. It is still unclear how long Apple has been working on such devices or when the company will make an official announcement.
Using ARM-based processors may have a significant effect on the price of the said devices. ARM chipsets were known to be cheaper than Intel. Moreover, ARM was continuously improving the quality and performance of its processors. Thus, consumers can expect the MacBooks to have another price cut if it does indeed pack ARM-based chips.
It has been long rumored that Apple is considering moving from Intel to ARM processors. However, the company never announced such devices.
This is not the first time that Apple was rumored to make the switch. In 2011, the Cupertino-based company was speculated to dump Intel from its laptop lines. If rumors proved to be true, this will not be the first time that Apple will make a platform change. In 2005, Apple adopted Intel processors and let go of the PowerPC architecture.
Meanwhile, MacRumors noted that A7 chip packed in last year's iPhones and iPads was the world's first processor with 64-bit architecture and has the functions and capabilities to deliver desktop performance. "In fact, the A7 chip is currently being underutilized in Apple's iPhone and iPad devices, leaving some of its power untapped," according to the report. However, Apple remained tight-lipped on the aforementioned rumors.
