Apple announces Mac transition to Apple silicon

Apple has recently announced the transition of its Mac hardware to Apple silicon chipsets. The switch allows developers to optimize apps and produce compatible software on the entire Apple ecosystem.

According to the tech American company, the software update of macOS Big Sur includes technologies that “ensures a smooth and seamless transition to Apple silicon”. It has Xcode 12 for native compiling, editing, and debugging tools for developers, Universal 2 application binaries for developing software that is compatible with both Apple silicon and Intel-based Macs, and Rosetta 2 for running Mac apps with plug-ins that have not yet been updated. Apple also uses virtualization for running Linux on its new Mac lineup.

Through the universal App Quick Start Program, developers may run their existing apps from iOS and iPadOS to Mac devices, and convert it to run on the ARM-powered Apple silicon. The program grants access to documentation, forums support, beta versions of macOS Big Sur and Xcode 12, and the limited use of a Developer Transition Kit (DTK), a system based on Apple’s A12Z Bionic Processor. The kit consists of a Mac mini with Apple’s A12Z Bionic SoC inside and desktop specs, including 16GB of memory, a 512GB SSD, and a variety of Mac I/O ports.

Apart from the program, the company also shared that it is designing its range of System on Chip (SoCs) which will bring unique features to Mac. The upcoming ARM-based Macs will improve the processor and graphics performance, making it easier for the developers to optimize and produce professional software and games.

Developers who are interested to apply in the program may visit this site.