Intel showed a new image and rolled out their new line of products in August and plans ahead for the future as their latest offer of microprocessors tries to take aim at AMD’s supremacy. While Qualcomm exhibited their whole array of chips for the new 5G environment at IFA Berlin 2020, Intel’s Thunderbolt 4 connector technology seems to be in a sort of limbo; the American manufacturer rolled out a new set of protocols to certify Thunderbolt 4 technologies across devices, had an image makeover and rolled out new chips, but one of their main clients, Apple Computer from Cupertino, California ditched Intel altogether after years of friendly and successful commercial relationships as Intel happily provided silicon for all of Apple’s devices until their decision to produce it themselves. This commercial relationship severance hits Intel hard, as they struggle with AMD’s market share, and other manufacturers like Qualcomm explore the implementation of their products in many consumer electronics devices in a very tough race as tech supremacy rages on.
Apple’s decision to ditch Intel and produce its own silicon has many loyal fans worried as their operative systems become the victim of programmed obsolescence as the California company chooses to cut down on costs. Macs with Intel processors will still be around as viable equipment for the next years even as Apple rolls out their new products and will also support Thunderbolt 4.
Apple’s Thunderbolt 3 implementation is robust, so it meets many of Thunderbolt 4’s demanding new specs crafted by Intel. Macs with Apple’s own silicon will require an equivalent certification to Intel’s VT-d DMA protection. Apple’s ditching of Intel connector technology won’t be as drastic as their domestic silicon will continue to support Thunderbolt.
Compatibility might have been Apple’s weak spot in the past; nowadays the California company strives to integrate with developers in their own terms. Apple’s relationship with Original Equipment Manufacturers is somewhat complex.
Apple’s iPhone 12 might not support the fastest 5G
The iPhone 12, Apple’s long-awaited mobile smartphone, might only support 5G in its most top-of-the-line model, meaning that the iPhone Pro Max will support millimeter-wave 5G, and its other counterparts in this rollout might only support Sub-6 type 5G. The reason for this disparity, according to some experts, lies in the size of the 5G antenna, as only the largest model can host the sensor. Apple will likely release this month four iPhone models, the iPhone 12 Pro Max, a 6-inch iPhone Pro, and two affordable models at 5.4-inches and 6-inches.
Availability seems to be an issue regarding these coveted devices as the iPhone 12 Max Pro model launched in Japan, South Korea, and the US will support millimeter-wave 5G. Still, that’s the only information available on tech sites; it’s up to Apple to inform the minor details, something we will likely see in the following days as they plan to host their traditional September event.
