Apple's Late 2014 MacBook could feature Intel's Core M Broadwell processor
This has been a fairly busy year as far as MacBook updates go. Without mentioning a word on a stage, Apple has introduced small tweaks to both the MacBook Pro with Retina display and MacBook Air in recent months.
A far bigger MacBook update could arrive before the end of the year, according to 9to5Mac.
According to a new report, Apple is planning to introduce new MacBooks for the holidays that will use Intel’s new 14nm Broadwell Core M chip.
On Monday, Intel disclosed what makes the Core M Broadwell processor special:
- The combination of the new microarchitecture and manufacturing process will usher in a wave of innovation in new form factors, experiences and systems that are thinner and run silent and cool.
- Intel architects and chip designers have achieved greater than two times reduction in the thermal design point when compared to a previous generation of processor while providing similar performance and improved battery life.
- The new microarchitecture was optimized to take advantage of the new capabilities of the 14nm manufacturing process.
- Intel has delivered the world’s first 14nm technology in volume production. It uses second-generation Tri-gate (FinFET) transistors with industry-leading performance, power, density and cost per transistor.
- Intel’s 14nm technology will be used to manufacture a wide range of high-performance to low-power products including servers, personal computing devices and Internet of Things.
- The first systems based on the Intel Core M processor will be on shelves for the holiday selling season followed by broader OEM availability in the first half of 2015.
- Additional products based on the Broadwell microarchitecture and 14nm process technology will be introduced in the coming months.
We've heard rumors that Apple is working on a 12-inch Retina MacBook, which may be released later this year or in early 2015. This is likely to be Apple's first laptop to feature the Broadwell processor. In other words, the devices updated recently won't be refreshed again this year.
See also: Apple celebrates 'all the many ways people love the MacBook Air' in new 'Stickers' TV ad, and Apple is likely to release a new Mac mini and 27-inch iMac.
