ARM-based Apple iMac with Lifuka GPU expected in 2H 2021

Some more information has emerged about Apple's GPU plans. Earlier this year, the Cupertino-based firm confirmed it will transition its entire Mac computer lineup to ARM-based chips over the next two years. Furthermore, Apple slides also revealed that future Macs will no longer feature third-party GPUs. Instead, Apple is working on its own custom Metal-based GPU family.

Citing a report from the Chinese newspaper China Times, MacRumors reports that Apple's first computer product with its own GPU will be an iMac. According to the report, this chip is codenamed "Lifuka" and will be manufactured on TSMC's 5nm node. It's said that Lifuka will offer more performance and higher energy efficiency than the Intel processor it replaces.

According to relevant sources, Apple's self-developed GPU is progressing smoothly. The research and development code is Lifuka. Like the upcoming A14X processor, it is produced using TSMC's 5nm process. Apple has designed a series of processors for Mac personal computers. The new GPU will provide better performance per watt and higher computing performance. It has tile-based deferred rendering technology that allows application developers to write more powerful professional application software and game software.

The ARM-based iMac with the Lifuka GPU is expected to be introduced in the second half of 2021.

The China Times report also claims that Apple's first ARM-based Mac will be a 12-inch MacBook codenamed "Tonga". This laptop will feature a variant of Apple's A14 SoC. However, considering Apple's 64-bit ARM macOS reportedly lacks support for AMD (or NVIDIA) GPUs, this 12-inch MacBook should also have Apple-designed graphics.

It will definitely be interesting to see how the ARM-based Macs perform - both in terms of CPU and GPU performance!