Apple Silicon
The transition to Apple Silicon has been long coming and developers are finally able to start adapting their apps for ARM-based Macs. A new Mac running Apple Silicon launches in 2020, with the entire line expected to be transitioned within 2 years. Between virtualization software and live-app translation of Intel-based apps, Apple has developers and consumers covered. The company plans on supporting their Intel Macs for the next few years, but it is clear that custom ARM silicon is the future for Mac.

Apple Silicon and its advantages

Following more than a decade of chip architecture experience gleaned from the iPhone and iPad, Apple has prepared the way for Apple Silicon on Mac with mac OS Big Sur, Mac Catalyst, and several other developer platforms.

Apple Silicon Ecosystem

The first custom processors made by Apple were made out of necessity because Intel did not want to design chips for the iPhone. It was because of this that Apple was able to build its processors for the iPhone and ensure complete vertical integration with the software. The A-series chips went on to become the most powerful and efficient mobile chip sets available, and Qualcomm and even Intel could not keep up.

The Apple Silicon Transition

The Developer Transition Kit will be a Mac Mini with an A12Z

Apple has provided a Developer Transition Kit that can be ordered by developers using the “Universal App Quick Start Program.” The DTK is a Mac mini running on an A12Z with 16gb of RAM and 512gb of storage, and must be rented for $500 then later returned to Apple. With this kit, developers can get started making apps run native on mac OS and Apple Silicon. However, the hardware is not all Apple has included to help with the process.

Universal 2, Rosetta 2, and Virtualization software will make the transition smooth

Virtualization

Virtualization software will also run on Apple Silicon Macs, but the extent of what and how is not fully known yet. Apple has demonstrated Linux use through virtualization apps like Parallels desktop. Users who need Windows on their Mac may be left out of the transition, as Apple made no mention of the platform during the presentation nor Boot Camp. Apple mentioned that other platforms like Docker will also work on Apple Silicon and developers will be able to take full advantage of the software.
['Gargi Bhattacharya']
['Software Development', 'Technology', 'Apple', 'Tech Newletter', 'Technews']