Apple is planning to integrate an ARM-based processor to handle the low-power modes on future MacBooks. According to Bloomberg, the processor, named the T310, will be the first step for Apple’s move away from Intel as its CPU supplier. For those not in the know, mobile devices are often equipped with these ARM processors as they have reduced power consumption but enough processing power to run most applications smoothly. Computers often use X86-64 based processors that are more powerful but also more power-hungry.

The current Macbook Pro has an ARM processor which is used as the brain of the Touch Bar and the TouchID system.

If Apple integrates another ARM processor, the Macbook will be able to operate like a phone in standby mode. It would still be checking for new emails and messages and running some app processes but would otherwise be ‘off’.

The Core i5 and i7 processors that Intel supply Apple for their Macbook Pros aren’t quite able to meet that kind of power efficiency yet. And if they manage to wean off x86-based processors, will the rest follow? Microsoft too is rumoured to be working with ARM processors.