Apple Will Launch Macs With Its Own Processors In 2021: Analyst

The 5-nanometer chip is expected to appear in a Mac release during the first half of next year.

Apple appears to be full steam ahead on designing its own processors for Macs, with a well-known Apple analyst reportedly predicting an initial launch coming during the first half of next year.

Reports over the past few years have suggested that Apple has been working to develop its own Arm-based processors for its Mac lineup, which would displace Intel processors.

[Related: 5 Signs Apple Wants To Make More Of Its Own Chips]

Now, a new research note reportedly confirms that the work is still underway. The note is from Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF International Securities who has frequently made correct Apple predictions in the past.

A report on the note from MacRumors says that Apple will debut a 5-nanometer processor of its own design in a Mac during the first half of 2021. The note reportedly does not contain further specifics, such as which Mac model the chip could appear in.

Intel declined to comment, and Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Apple is believed to be interested in developing its own processors to reduce its dependencies on suppliers. Along with device timetables not always lining up with those of suppliers, manufacturers such as Apple are also continuing to grapple with CPU shortages from Intel that have constrained device production.

Apple has accounted for roughly 5 percent of Intel's annual revenue, according to a previous Bloomberg analysis. Apple started using Intel processors for the Mac line in 2006 in a move away from PowerPC processors.

Apple already leverages microprocessor designs from Arm in its A-series processors for iPhone and iPad. The company's desire to do more chip design in-house is no secret, as Apple paid $1 billion last summer to acquire Intel's 5G modem business.