MacBook 12-inch: Apple’s first ARM-based Mac expected in 2021

MacBook 12 (2017)

The MacBook 12-inch laptop has been gone for a few years now, with Apple abandoning its smallest laptop form-factor. However, rumours are swirling about its return, which could see it become the first Mac with an ARM processor.

After what felt like a long wait, the MacBook Pro 2020 finally launched and, now, we can set our sights on what Apple might come up with next. An Apple pivot to ARM processors has been long-rumoured now – from its laptops to even desktop Macs – and it seems like the MacBook could lead the way.

ARM processors have already begun to make their way into Windows laptops, with mixed success, but what they have enabled is a step forward in thin and light form-factors. These Qualcomm-sporting devices have included the  Surface Pro X, Lenovo Yoga C630 and the upcoming Galaxy Book S, all of which look very impressive from a design point of view.

Questions arise when it comes to performance for price and compatibility. Thankfully, it seems like Apple could be best placed to drive this forward. Apple has had massive success with its ARM-based A-series chips on both phones and tablets. Seeing Apple create a desktop-class ARM processor for a new MacBook 12-inch would be interesting development, especially to see if it is a success and if other manufacturers will then be able to follow suit.

Related: Do we need an ARM MacBook in an iPad Pro world?

MacBook 12-inch price – How much will the ARM MacBook cost?

Few reports have hinted towards a price for a new ARM-based MacBook just yet, especially ahead of a device confirmation.

If a new ARM-based MacBook 12 does make it to market soon, then we expect it to undercut the £999 starting price of the MacBook Air 2020. 

Related: MacBook Air 2020 vs MacBook Pro 2019

MacBook 12-inch release date – When will the ARM MacBook be released?

Reports from Bloomberg and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo point towards a 2021 release for a new ARM MacBook. Kuo is more specific, pointing to a Q4 2020/Q1 2021 release date.

It’s been some time since Apple discontinued the old 2017 MacBook, and the device had seemed dead in the water. However, this reimagining of Apple processor plans looks set to breath new life into the old MacBook 12-inch.

Related: MacBook Air 2020 vs MacBook Air 2019

MacBook 12-inch specs – What is the ARM MacBook?

The new ARM MacBook 12 is expected to sport a 12-core processor – a combination of eight high-performance cores (codenamed Firestorm) and four energy-efficient core (codenamed Icestorm).

In future, Apple is expected to turbocharge the number of cores its chips will have as it looks to surpass Intel’s count by two or three times.

Related: Best MacBook

MacBook 12-inch design – What will the ARM MacBook look like?

Reports are few and far between regarding a new 12-inch MacBook design. However, ARM enables thin and light chassis – making a return to a smaller MacBook design seem likely.

Apple is reported as having made an ARM MacBook prototype back in 2018 – based on the A12X processor from that year’s iPad Pro. The success of this prototype is said to have spurred on Apple’s hopes of replacing Intel in future Macs. 

With this prototype in Apple’s rearview mirror, the company would be expected to have a pretty good idea of the design to come for its first ARM-based Mac laptop.

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