Apple announces Mac processor transition


Apple today announced it will transition the Mac to its world-class custom silicon to deliver industry-leading performance and powerful new technologies. Developers can now get started updating their apps to take advantage of the advanced capabilities of Apple silicon in the Mac. This transition will also establish a common architecture across all Apple products, making it far easier for developers to write and optimize their apps for the entire ecosystem.

The Mac platform is again on the move to a new hardware architecture. Over the next couple of years, Apple will transition the macOS to the same architecture used in iPhones and iPads with the first Macs expected later this year. Apple said it intends to continue supporting Intel-based Macs for years to come as the company continues to roll out updated machines based on that processor.

Apple is offering developers support in transitioning by providing an advanced Mac for development and testing. The Universal App Quick Start Program will cost developers $500 and include development resources and a loaner Mac mini running an A12Z processor. The A12Z processor is what powers the current IPad Pro.