In the M2 MacBook Air, Apple has replaced an Intel-made component responsible for controlling the USB and Thunderbolt ports with a custom-made controller, meaning the last remnants of Intel are now fully out of the latest Mac.
Earlier this month, the repair website iFixit shared a teardown of the new MacBook Air, revealing a look inside the completely redesigned machine. One subtle detail that went largely unnoticed was that unlike previous Macs, the latest MacBook Air introduces custom-made controllers for the USB and Thunderbolt ports.
iFixit mentioned it in their report, noting they located a “seemingly Apple-made Thunderbolt 3 driver, instead of the Intel chips we’re familiar with.” The new component was shared on Twitter earlier today, where it received more attention.
Few details are known about the controllers, including whether they’re custom-made by Apple or a third party. In May 2021, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple planned to “replace the last remaining Intel part with an in-house version. Apple’s current M1 Macs still use an Intel component known as a USB Retimer, which helps power the USB-C and Thunderbolt ports on its computer.”
Popular Stories
Gurman: Apple Watch ‘Pro’ to Offer First True Redesign Since Series 4, but No Flat Sides
The upcoming high-end variant of the Apple Watch Series 8 will feature the device’s first redesign in years and a new titanium casing, but will not feature the long-rumored squared-off look, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. In the latest edition of his “Power On” newsletter, Gurman said that this year’s high-end Apple Watch model will be “a good bit bigger” than the current Apple Watch…
AirPods Pro Now 1,000 Days Old: What to Expect From Next Model
The AirPods Pro launched 1,000 days ago today and are the oldest current-generation Apple device still on sale. Apple announced the AirPods Pro on Monday, October 28, 2019. The earbuds went on sale immediately and orders started arriving to customers on Thursday, October 31. Apple went on to release the AirPods Max in December 2020 and the third-generation AirPods in October 2021. After…
Titanium Apple Watch ‘Pro’ Could Signal the End of Apple Watch Edition
The larger Apple Watch Series 8 model expected to arrive later this year is rumored to feature a titanium casing, raising questions about the future of the Apple Watch Edition. Yesterday, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that the new, larger Apple Watch model scheduled to launch this year will feature a casing made of “a more durable formulation of titanium to make it extra rugged.” Apple …
Video Comparison: M1 MacBook Air vs. M2 MacBook Air
Apple last week launched a redesigned version of the MacBook Air that’s equipped with a next-generation M2 chip. If you own the original M1 MacBook Air and have been thinking about upgrading, or if you’re simply new to the MacBook Air and are trying to choose between the two machines, we’ve done a hands-on comparison video pitting the M2 MacBook Air against the prior-generation M1 MacBook Air. …
Apple Continues to Diversify Suppliers Ahead of iPhone 14 Launch
Apple has added to its list of suppliers for the iPhone 14 series in a bid to avoid potential supply chain shortages when mass production of the devices begins, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a series of tweets, Kuo said components from SG Micro have passed quality certification for the high-end iPhone 14 models, meaning the Chinese company has been greenlighted to supply components…
Apple Lists Products Eligible for Upcoming Sales Tax Holidays in Nine U.S. States
Apple has detailed which of its products are eligible for upcoming sales tax holidays in select U.S. states, including Arkansas, Florida, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Sales tax holidays provide a limited-time opportunity to purchase select Apple products online or in store without paying sales tax. Eligible products and price…
iPhone 14 Pro Rumored to Have 6GB of Faster RAM
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will both feature 6GB of RAM and a newer and faster type of memory, according to a report today from DigiTimes. iPhone 14 Pro renders created by Ian Zelbo for Jon Prosser The report claims that the high-end models of the upcoming iPhone lineup will feature 6GB of LPDDR5 RAM, a faster and more efficient type of memory compared to older standards. Current …
