Apple Goes In-House, Away From Intel; Unveils iOS 14; Seeks Interoperability

in Cupertino, California, CEO Tim Cook opened the event addressing racism, inequality and injustice. Apple announced its transition from Intel processors to its own chips for the Mac, for a common architecture across all Apple products, Cook said. The next major release of the macOS is Big Sur, which includes technologies that will “ensure a smooth and seamless transition to Apple silicon,” he said. The first Big Sur silicon will be available by year-end in what the executive called a two-year transition. Intel-based devices will be available “for years to come” and are “still in the pipeline,” he said. Apple engineers have been building and refining the company’s own SoCs as part of a scalable architecture custom-designed for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, the company noted. IOS 14 added home screen features and widgets designed to make it easier for users to get to apps more quickly. Scaled-down versions of apps, called App Clips, load a small part of an app experience within seconds using near field communication. Apple partnered with Amazon, Google and other companies to define an interoperability standard for the smart home. Any accessory using HomeKit or the new standard will work across all Apple devices, said Yah Yah Cason, software engineer. Cook didn’t mention Sonos. A report suggested Apple might buy the wireless multiroom audio company. Sonos shares closed 18% higher at $14.07. The company didn't comment.