194: Dark Night of the Soul

Intel Dependency

The discussion around Apple's dependency on Intel for Mac processors highlights the challenges and potential future shifts in their strategy. Casey Liss and John Siracusa explore the possibility of Apple transitioning to its own A-series chips for laptops, driven by Intel's delays and misalignments with Apple's priorities 1. Marco Arment notes that while the transition is complex, it could become necessary if Intel's issues persist.

It could take two years of conditions changing before Apple says, you know what? We need this now.

--- Marco Arment

The conversation also touches on the idea of Apple designing its own x86 chips, which would allow them to maintain compatibility with existing technologies like Thunderbolt 1.

   

Concept Revivals

Apple's approach to reviving old technological concepts is exemplified by the Touch Bar, a feature that John Siracusa explains was conceived eight years ago by former Apple employee Bret Victor 2. Marco Arment describes how the Touch Bar's implementation benefits from recent technological advancements, likening it to an Apple Watch in terms of its components and capabilities.

This is an eight year old idea that must have been resurrected by somebody.

--- John Siracusa

The delay in its release allowed for a more mature product with robust app support, demonstrating Apple's patience in waiting for the right moment to introduce innovative features 2.