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Apple Diversifies Chip Orders for iOS Device and Apple Watch Amid Predictions of ARM Macs
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has frequently offered accurate information on Apple's product plans based on supply chain information, has released a new report outlining his expectations for the company's chips over the next several years. Kuo highlights a diversified supplier lineup for Apple's A-series chips used in its iOS devices, with TSMC, Samsung, and GlobalFoundries all contributing to production.
Kuo sees the 2015 chip breakdown with the A9 chip destined for this year's iPhones being shared by Samsung and GlobalFoundries, while TSMC handles the A9X that would be used in iPad models. That split is projected to flip in 2016, with TSMC handling the A10 iPhone chips and Samsung being responsible for A10X iPad chips.
Perhaps most enticingly, Kuo projects that Apple could begin launching ARM-based Macs in the next year or two based on its custom chip designs.
Kuo also looks at the Apple Watch, where Samsung has been reported to be handling the primary portion of Apple's custom "S1" chip for the upcoming smartwatch. He believes, however, that TSMC will take over responsibility in 2016 for the S2 in the second-generation Apple Watch.
Kuo certainly does not have a perfect track record with his claims over the years, but he is reliable enough that his predictions are followed closely. Given muddled rumors of Apple's chip partnerships for future devices, it will be interesting to watch how these supplier deals play out over time.
Kuo sees the 2015 chip breakdown with the A9 chip destined for this year's iPhones being shared by Samsung and GlobalFoundries, while TSMC handles the A9X that would be used in iPad models. That split is projected to flip in 2016, with TSMC handling the A10 iPhone chips and Samsung being responsible for A10X iPad chips.
Perhaps most enticingly, Kuo projects that Apple could begin launching ARM-based Macs in the next year or two based on its custom chip designs.
Apple may launch Mac products that use own AP in next 1-2 years. This prediction is based on the assumption that Apple’s self-developed AP performs at a level between Intel’s Atom and Core i3 and is good enough for Mac. Using self- developed AP can help Apple better control the timing of Mac launches and Mac product features.Use of A-series chips in Macs would certainly be limited to lower-end devices at first, but Apple's emphasis on controlling its supply chain and the improving performance of Apple's A-series ARM chips compared to low-end Intel chips could lead to a shift in the coming years.
Kuo also looks at the Apple Watch, where Samsung has been reported to be handling the primary portion of Apple's custom "S1" chip for the upcoming smartwatch. He believes, however, that TSMC will take over responsibility in 2016 for the S2 in the second-generation Apple Watch.
Kuo certainly does not have a perfect track record with his claims over the years, but he is reliable enough that his predictions are followed closely. Given muddled rumors of Apple's chip partnerships for future devices, it will be interesting to watch how these supplier deals play out over time.
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59 months ago
I'm sorry but once they stop making Intel mac, is the day I stop buying them :(
I think its a really bad idea to drop x86 platform, I can only see bad things from this shift including a more locking down of OS X. Think walled garden for OS X as well.
I think its a really bad idea to drop x86 platform, I can only see bad things from this shift including a more locking down of OS X. Think walled garden for OS X as well.
59 months ago
Oh, wow. I thought $1000 for a dual-core i7 Mac mini was ridiculous. Can't wait until I get to buy a $500 to $1000 Mac mini with "between Atom and i3" performance.
59 months ago
I still dont get why people want to see ARM based Macs. Or the prediction at the end of the decade. Why? I only see headaches with this idea.
Agreed 100 percent. Intel is the reason Macs gained so much marketshare. (Well one of the reasons). Having gone through the other transitions (68K to PPC), (OS9 to OSX), (PPC to Intel), its a nightmare and only worthwhile if there are significant benefits which I really really don't see. Loss of Windows compatibility, loss of program compatibility and the list goes on and on.
A move to ARM would be a form over function move, to further slim down computers which are slim enough.
59 months ago
I still dont get why people want to see ARM based Macs. Or the prediction at the end of the decade. Why? I only see headaches with this idea.
59 months ago
Why does anyone listen to Kuo anymore?
This guy has a horrible track record. Why, why, why does MacRumors continue to post his nonsense?
This guy has a horrible track record. Why, why, why does MacRumors continue to post his nonsense?
59 months ago
I'm sorry but once they stop making Intel mac, is the day I stop buying them :(
I think its a really bad idea to drop x86 platform, I can only see bad things from this shift including a more locking down of OS X. Think walled garden for OS X as well.
huh? why?
people probably said the same thing with PPC.
Moving to ARM gives them a whole lot more flexibility and they're not tied to Intel's timeline.
59 months ago
huh? why?
people probably said the same thing with PPC.
Moving to ARM gives them a whole lot more flexibility and they're not tied to Intel's timeline.
Some people did, but there were clear advantages to moving into Intel, and besides slimmer computers and lower power there seems to be little advantage to making yet another massive move where everything becomes outdated, stable software has to be rewritten, lack of Windows Virtualisation or native boot camp, loss support for existing Intel Macs that would have probably been supported for longer. The list goes on and on.
Does the iMac really need to be slimmer?
59 months ago
huh? why?
people probably said the same thing with PPC.
Moving to ARM gives them a whole lot more flexibility and they're not tied to Intel's timeline.
Why because I'll not be able to use the software I need. I use windows and OS X. Plus what about the software, do you think Adobe will be all that quick to produce a full lightroom or photoshop version?
59 months ago
this guy has a horrible track record. Why, why, why does macrumors continue to post his nonsense?
✓ Apple Said to Upgrade iPad Air With Gold Option and Anti-Reflective Laminated Display
According to Kuo, Apple is preparing modest upgrades primarily for the iPad Air and not the iPad mini, because the larger iPad is more popular among consumers. While the iPad Air 2 is said to carry several improvements, including an anti-reflective display as previously rumored, the second-generation Retina iPad mini may receive only Touch ID support.
https://www.macrumors.com/2014/09/04/ipad-air-2-anti-reflective-display/
✓ iPhone 6 May Lose Sapphire Display Cover, Gain 128 GB Storage Option
In line with earlier reports, Kuo says Apple will boost the internal storage of the iPhone to 128 GB. Both the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models will ship with this higher capacity option.
https://www.macrumors.com/2014/09/04/iphone-6-128gb/
✓ Apple's iWatch Pegged for 2015 Debut in Two Sizes With 8 GB Storage, Multiple Material Options
According to Kuo, the wristwatch will be available in two screen sizes of 1.3 and 1.5-inches in order to accommodate different wrist sizes. Apple may use between two to four different casing materials, with aluminum and gold as two likely options.
https://www.macrumors.com/2014/09/04/iwatch-8gb/
✓ Apple Not Expected to Ship Reversible USB-Lightning Cable or New Adapter Alongside iPhone 6
Kuo notes that he doesn't expect either accessory to receive design changes when shipped alongside the iPhone 6, noting that "cost concerns" and "limited improvements to overall user experience" are preventing Apple from making such moves.
https://www.macrumors.com/2014/09/01/apple-not-expected-reversible-cable-new-adapter/
✓ Apple's iWatch May Not Launch Until 2015
Apple may be planning to delay the launch of its iWatch until 2015, according to a new report from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Echoing several past reports that have also alluded to a 2015 launch date, Kuo suggests that difficulty manufacturing the device will lead to its postponement.
https://www.macrumors.com/2014/08/19/apples-iwatch-may-not-launch-until-2015/
✓ Optical Image Stabilization May Be Differentiating Factor for 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 [Updated]
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is also predicting the larger 5.5-inch iPhone will be the only model to offer optical image stabilization due to supply constraints.
https://www.macrumors.com/2014/06/24/optical-image-stabilization-iphone-6/
X Apple May Introduce 8GB iPhone 5s and Lower-Cost iMacs at WWDC
Apple may introduce a new 8GB iPhone 5s model for emerging markets and the much-rumored lower-cost iMac at next week's Worldwide Developers Conference, according to a new research note from KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo.
https://www.macrumors.com/2014/05/28/wwdc-iphone-5s-8gb/
✓ iWatch to Come in Two Sizes With 'Fashionable Appearance', Top End to Cost 'Several Thousand' Dollars
Kuo suggests Apple will release the iWatch at multiple price points and in a variety of materials, competing with low and high-end watches alike. At the high end, Kuo suggests Apple's iWatch could sell for thousands of dollars.
https://www.macrumors.com/2014/04/09/iwatch-2014-predictions/
✓ iPad Air and Retina iPad Mini to Get Touch ID This Year
Apple may be preparing to feature its Touch ID fingerprint sensor on updated models of the iPad Air and Retina iPad mini that will be released later this year, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo states in a new research note.
https://www.macrumors.com/2014/04/09/ipad-air-retina-ipad-mini-touch-id/
✓ iPhone 6 Could See Sleep/Wake Button Move, 401 ppi in 5.5" Model
the well-sourced KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo has shared additional details about his expectations for the next iPhone model, expected to be called the iPhone 6. Perhaps the biggest change that Kuo mentions is a move of the sleep/wake button from the top of the iPhone to the side, the 5.5" will see a 1920x1080 screen at 401 ppi. Both devices will have the same aspect ratio to the iPhone 5, meaning apps will not need to be redesigned for the second time in three years.
https://www.macrumors.com/2014/04/09/kgi-iphone6-predictions/
✓ Apple Predicted to Adopt NFC in iPhone 6 as Core Technology for Mobile Payments System
The iPhone 6 will include a new A8 processor, 1GB of RAM, Touch ID, a narrower bezel by 10 to 20 percent, and the phone to be thinned to 6.5-7.0mm (the current iPhone 5 is 7.6mm thick). He also expects Apple to finally include NFC chips in its smart phones.
https://www.macrumors.com/2014/05/20/nfc-mobile-payments/
X Apple Predicted to Release Ultra-Slim 12-Inch MacBook with Retina Display in Mid-2014
Apple may be planning to release a 12-inch MacBook with an all-new design and high-resolution Retina Display in the middle of 2014, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
https://www.macrumors.com/2013/10/13/apple-predicted-to-release-ultra-slim-12-inch-macbook-with-retina-display-in-mid-2014/
✓ Apple Looking to Launch Lower-Cost iMac in 2014
Apple may be preparing to release a cheaper model of the iMac in 2014, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo states in a new research note. The analyst believes that sales of recent iMac models have failed to meet expectations and that Apple may look to introduce a lower-cost option in order to bolster sales in critical foreign markets.
https://www.macrumors.com/2013/10/13/apple-reportedly-looking-to-launch-lower-cost-imac-in-2014/
X iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 to Be Equipped with 8-Megapixel Rear Cameras
Apple's fifth-generation iPad and second-generation iPad mini may receive a significantly improved camera, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
https://www.macrumors.com/2013/10/02/ipad-5-and-ipad-mini-2-to-be-equipped-with-8-megapixel-rear-cameras/
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