Apple’s shift from Intel to ARM-based processors will cost the company more per manufactured computer, at least initially. This is according to the respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in a new AppleInsider report.
Exactly what components will cost more is not clear, nor do we know at this point whether Apple will pass on those costs to customers by raising the prices of its products. It’s possible that Apple will attempt to cut costs in other areas to keep the final price steady.
Note that the anticipated rise in manufacturing costs applies to the first ARM-based models. In the long run, switching from Intel to ARM should enable Apple to build its Macs more cheaply, as we discuss in our analysis piece The historic transition to Apple’s own Mac processors starts now.
According to Kuo, one of the first Mac models with an ARM processor will be a 24in iMac with a completely new design. However, Apple is expected to release an updated Intel-based iMac first.
This article originally appeared on Macworld Sweden. Translation by David Price.