Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has had a busy day so far, first predicting the launch of new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models sporting scissor keyboards, and now predicting Apple will release MacBooks powered by Apple-designed ARM notebooks late this year or early next year.
In a research note today, shared by MacRumors, Kuo says Apple has plans for MacBook models powered by its own custom ARM processors in the fourth quarter of 2020 or the first quarter of 2021. Kuo did not specify if the new MacBooks will include both MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models, nor did he share any additional details.
Rumors have long circulated that Apple is working on custom ARM-based processors that would allow it to move away from the Intel-made processors which currently power the Cupertino firm’s Mac lineup. Apple has faced delays in releases of its new Mac models over the years, due to Intel’s own delays with chip production.
Kuo also sees Apple releasing MacBook models with an all-new design in the second or third quarter of 2021, but again, Kuo did not specify whether they would be MacBook Air or MacBook Pro models. The last time the MacBook Pro lineup was significantly revamped was October 2016, while the MacBook Air lineup received its last significant shake-up was in October 2018.
