Apple replaces Intel's chips in the new M2 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3 drivers.
The transition from Intel to Apple processors began over two years ago, but it turns out that the CPU and GPU weren't all Apple was replacing. As the new M2 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, Apple is going all-in with its own chips.
See also: Apple Chip Expert Leaves Company and Goes to Samsung
In an iFixit earlier this month of the new MacBook Air, iFixit reported, “A seemingly Apple-made Thunderbolt 3, instead of the Intel chips we’re familiar with.” It turns out that this driver replaces the latest Intel chip Apple uses in its laptops, according to a tweet from @SkyJuice60. (@SkyJuice60’s Twitter bio lists him as the founder of Angstronomics, which covers the semiconductor industry.)
It appears that the new MacBook Air is the first Apple laptop to feature these new Thunderbolt drivers. Other laptops are still using Intel drivers, such as the 14-inch MacBook Pro, according to iFixit. However, chances are that Apple will use its own drivers in the M2 for the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro that could arrive in a few months.
See also: Apple: How to use your Apple Watch's Walkie Talkie?
Not all of the chips in the MacBook Air are made by Apple. The company still uses chips from Texas Instruments, Nexperia , and Samsung, among others. These chips are “smaller” than the CPU, GPU, and Thunderbolt drivers, so it’s unlikely Apple wouldn’t be interested in replacing them all. But as the Thunderbolt drivers show, Apple’s silicon transition involves chips as big as small.
Source: macworld.com
