It appears that we do have a date for the Apple Silicon Event, November 17. But what are we expecting…
What are we expecting?
The logical thing would be a small form factor, lower power Apple Laptop, perhaps a 12″ MacBook, 13″ MacBook Air, and/or a 13″ MacBook Pro. I believe that this is exactly what Apple is planning, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Apple wouldn’t want to introduce only a low-end machine, or just a smaller form factor machine to the world with their new processors. It would feel odd for Apple to introduce a 13″ (or 14″) MacBook Pro, without also refreshing the 16″, so I feel that is off the table at this point. Doing the MacBook and/or MacBook Air would be perfect, as I can see them complementing each other. Release both, with the MB running a 4×4 Apple Silicon chip (4 power cores, 4 efficiency cores) and basic graphics power. Then an MBA running 6×6, 6×4, or 8×8, with some more advanced graphics, something akin to the current Intel integrated graphics or better. I would expect slightly different form factor from the existing machines. However, I would hope that they maintain their good resting areas for the wrist, as that is a major advantage that Apple has over its competition.
Surprises?
It also wouldn’t surprise me to have Apple sneak in the new Mac mini at the same time. The Mini is usually focussed on the same people that would buy the MBA, but I can see it having more powerful graphics and even a more power hungry CPU, thanks to the wall connection, than the notebook/laptop versions. Maybe something with GTX980 or GTX1080 level graphics, something we basically saw during the WWDC preview. It would certainly give us hope that there will be power behind the new iMac and Pro machines. By integrating all the needed components into the processor, it is possible that a Mac mini could simply be the size of the current AppleTV, just need to ensure it has the appropriate ports on it to make it a useful computer.
The Name
I have serious doubts that Apple will use the AxxX numbering scheme for their desktop class chips. It just seems like it would be too easy for pundits and haters to compare costs and performances between the products, and that would be really bad for Apple. I almost expect the Apple Silicon chips to actually continue the Tx naming scheme, like these first generation will be T3 chips, or perhaps Apple will have paid some marketing company to come up with a name like “Pentium” for their processors. Something that is uniquely Apple, maybe the Braeburn Chips or Fuji.
What else?
The last few announcements seem to bundle different items together. In September it was iPad and Apple Watch. In October it was iPhone and HomePod Mini. So perhaps in October there will be Apple Silicon Macs and… Apple TV? It would be the perfect time for a new Apple TV. More storage, more power, perhaps some more gaming options. I have an AppleTV 4K, and I have a game pad for it. At present, I’m only playing Sonic The Hedgehog on it, but it is quite fun, but I would love to see what could be done, either for casual gamers, or given some of the power that the A14X is likely to have, full blow power to rival the Switch, or even the PS5/XBSX. Of course, if the MacMini is updated, perhaps AppleTV turns into a service on the Mac, much like we had Pre Snow Leopard. One can dream.
Final Thoughts…
I believe we will see Apple Silicon Macs in November. I do believe they will blow away people’s expectations, and I believe, strongly that they will make people less nervous about this transition. I also believe that Apple may even be able to lower the prices to the point where you will laugh when someone mentions “Apple Tax”.