Apple manufacturer Pegatron has reportedly received orders from Apple to manufacture an ARM-based MacBook model, codenamed “Star” or “N84.” ARM processors are currently used for Apple’s iPads and iPhone, but not its Macs.
The report doesn’t elaborate much on that point, aside from saying that the orders will help Pegatron to grow again after net profits declined significantly in the first quarter of 2018.
Interestingly, 9to5Mac suggests that Apple is currently working on a hybrid iPad/MacBook device. In the past, Apple has been extremely outspoken about suggesting that a Microsoft Surface-style device, combining both mobile and desktop interfaces, is not in the company’s plans. (Then again, Apple also denied interest in building a tablet until, you know, it built a tablet!)
Confusingly, reporter Mark Gurman of Bloomberg also claims that the device codenamed N84 is actually a low-cost LCD iPhone resembling an iPhone X.
Right now, we’d suggest taking these reports with a pinch of salt. Nonetheless, for those of us who have eagerly been awaiting a possible touchscreen Mac — or at least some more integration between the Mac and iOS product lines — that’s more than we usually have to go on!
Source: Digitimes