Mac Transition to Apple Silicon
The Mac transition to Apple silicon marks a significant evolution in Apple Inc.'s approach to hardware design and performance. Announced in June 2020 at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), this transition involves switching the central processing units (CPUs) of Apple's line of Mac computers from Intel's x86-64 architecture to Apple's own ARM-based silicon chips. The transition aims to deliver industry-leading performance and energy efficiency, allowing Apple to better integrate its software and hardware ecosystems.
Background
Prior to this transition, Apple used Intel processors in its Mac computers since 2006, following the Mac transition to Intel processors. However, with advancements in Apple's silicon technology—evidenced by the successful deployment of A-series chips in the iPhone and iPad—Apple opted to bring its chip development in-house for the Mac lineup as well.
Apple Silicon
Apple silicon refers to the range of custom chips designed by Apple. The first chip introduced as part of this transition was the Apple M1. Launched in November 2020, the M1 chip debuted in the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini, boasting improved performance and battery life over previous Intel-based models.
Following the M1, Apple has introduced successors such as the Apple M2 and the Apple M3, continuing to push the boundaries of what is achievable in computing performance and efficiency.
Software Compatibility
A critical aspect of the transition is ensuring that the vast array of applications available for Mac can run smoothly on Apple silicon. To address this, Apple introduced Rosetta 2, an application compatibility layer that translates Intel-based applications to run on ARM-based Macs. Additionally, Apple introduced macOS Big Sur, which includes technologies to facilitate the transition to Apple silicon.
Developer Support
To assist developers in transitioning their software to Apple silicon, Apple launched the Universal App Quick Start Program. This program provides developers with documentation, forums support, beta versions of macOS Big Sur, and access to a Developer Transition Kit (DTK), which is a Mac development system based on the A12Z Bionic System on a Chip (SoC).
Impact and Future
The transition to Apple silicon has allowed Apple to integrate its hardware and software more tightly, leading to improved performance and efficiency across its Mac lineup. This shift also signifies greater control over its product roadmaps and production timelines. Future versions of macOS, such as macOS Tahoe, will support only Macs powered by Apple silicon.