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| Apple can outperform Microsoft with M2 |
Apple's new laptops use the iPhone maker's next-generation chips, posing a new challenge to Microsoft's lucrative Windows business.
Apple's business has grown exponentially since the company began selling M1-equipped Mac computers in late 2020.
Earlier this month, the company revealed the M2 chip, which debuted in the 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
Compared to the M1, the new chip has 25% more transistors and 50% more bandwidth. In 2021, the company will represent 7.9% of global PC shipments, depending on the operating system. Windows accounted for 81.8% of the share.
By 2026, the share of Apple is expected to reach 10.7%, while that of Windows will drop to 80.5%.
Mac computer sales soar as new devices use the company's chips to replace Intel processors.
It was the first device to use an Apple processor, which was released in the MacBook Air last year, followed by updated models of the iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro, and a new model for more experienced users called the Mac Studio.
Newer devices have better battery life and more processing power than older Intel-based devices.
Mac business grew 23% in fiscal year 2021. Sales were more than $35 billion USD.
In the third quarter, Mac sales grew more than 14%, faster than any other Apple device category.
“Despite the supply shortage, customer response for the M1 Mac has been impressive and helped drive sales growth of 15% annually,” Tim Cook said in April.
Apple's latest chips pose a new challenge to Microsoft
This is not good news for Microsoft. Most of Windows revenue comes from the licenses it sells to Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other hardware manufacturers. It made up 7.5% of Microsoft's total revenue, or about 11% of total revenue.
When Microsoft loses market share, it loses its ability to control market prices. Most of the revenue that hardware manufacturers earn from licensing Windows comes from commercial customers.
Apple grows with consumers, and there is a positive correlation between consumer use and what happens in the business. Once business leaders who make technology buying decisions start using different product groups in their home environment, they are more likely to adopt them in their work environment.
Companies have been slow to produce computers with the M1 chip due to concerns about major application incompatibilities. But Adobe, Microsoft and other developers have gradually made original copies of their software available to devices.
The institution's accreditation is now expected to increase. However, to provide cheaper computers, Apple needs to take other steps.
The company may plan to launch the MacBook SE at $800 or $900, while the MacBook Air with the M2 chip will start at $1,200.
This may be similar to what the company did with the iPhone SE, a budget iPhone that lacks some of the new improvements to the company's smartphones.
When Apple releases the MacBook SE, it will cause problems for Windows and pull the rug out from under it.