Why Mac will get annual chip updates

Apple to update Mac CPUs every year

When Apple used Intel chips for its Mac computers, major CPU updates came every couple of years at best.

Some Macs remained on the same basic Intel chip design for three years or more, even if the names of the processors changed more often.

But now Apple is planning to update the chips in the Mac every year — and for every model.

Say what? Isn’t that crazy ambitious?

No, it’s not. After all, Apple’s been doing this for iPhone for more than a decade. Every year, the iPhone gets a new, redesigned A-series chip.

And now that the Mac shares the same basic chip design as iPhone, updating it annually is entirely possible. Here’s why you can expect annual Mac chip updates from here on out.

Also in today’s newsletter:

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

A message from Skycoach

A message from Cult of Mac deals team

Tweetz o’ the day

One more thing ...

So, you’ve uncovered the fact that I’m an asshole. Why is that news?

— Steve Jobs to a New York Times reporter, 2008.

Today’s poll

Are you excited about Apple updating Mac CPUs every year?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Results from yesterday’s poll: Do you use your Mac or iPad for making music?

Best reader comments

Subscribe to The Weekender — Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.

Reply

or to participate.