Apple invites select developers to Apple silicon Mac labs ahead of launch

Apple has invited developers taking part in the Universal App Quick Start Program to a round of one-on-one labs, with the initiative designed to prepare apps for upcoming Apple silicon Macs.

The lab series offers developers one-on-one code-level guidance from an Apple engineer who, according to the company, will help optimize iPhone, iPad and Mac apps for Apple silicon.

Participants of the Quick Start Program are receiving invitations to take part in the sessions via email. Developers can request a 30-minute appointment until Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. Pacific. One-on-one labs are to be held on Nov. 4 and Nov. 5.

Established earlier this year, the Universal App Quick Start Program allows developers to get a head start on programming software for Apple silicon Macs before the first devices launch. Those accepted into the program were able to purchase a Developer Transition Kit, which amounted to a Mac mini with specialized hardware powered by Apple's A12Z system-on-chip.

The testbed is thought to closely mimic the performance of initial Apple silicon Mac models, the first of which could debut in November. Apple previously said it planned on releasing an ARM-based Mac before the end of 2020, ahead of a complete shift away from Intel-based processors in about two years.

Recent rumors suggest Apple will unveil an Apple silicon Mac at a special event in November.

It remains unclear as to which Mac model will be first to get the Apple silicon treatment, but rumors in June pointed to a 12-inch MacBook with an "A14X" processor. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in July predicted a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro and revamped MacBook Air will be first to sport Apple's custom chips in the fourth quarter of 2020. Those are expected to be followed by 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models and an all-new form factor device in the second or third quarter of 2021, Kuo said.

34 Comments

mknelson 1146 comments · 9 Years

About 4 years ago

What can they do in 30 minutes?

That seems too short to do a comprehensive profiling, much less offering significant code advice. There must be something in the way of followup.

wood1208 2930 comments · 10 Years

Nov 4-5 one-on-one labs,Nov 12 invitation,Nov 17th announcement.

mattinoz 2473 comments · 9 Years

IF Apple doesn't debut a new ARM core or other suitable function in the ASi family to make the Mac chips a family of their own then performance needs to be stellar (+3x on Intel) or there will be questions.

Shove an A14x in job done attitude would sure knock the confidence in the transition.

rezwits 854 comments · 17 Years

mattinoz said:

IF Apple doesn't debut a new ARM core or other suitable function in the ASi family to make the Mac chips a family of their own then performance needs to be stellar (+3x on Intel) or there will be questions.

Shove an A14x in job done attitude would sure knock the confidence in the transition.

bah, can't wait to start buying Apps like crazy ONE TIME, for all silicon variants...
as soon as they say "native/runs on iPhone/iPad/Mac" PURCHASE clicked...

chasm 3590 comments · 10 Years

mattinoz said:

IF Apple doesn't debut a new ARM core or other suitable function in the ASi family to make the Mac chips a family of their own then performance needs to be stellar (+3x on Intel) or there will be questions.

Shove an A14x in job done attitude would sure knock the confidence in the transition.

I would remind you that the A12Z in my iPad Pro already outperforms most PC notebooks right now.

I am extremely confident that Apple will take advantage of the greater engineering specs of the Mac line to create a new family of A14-based chips that will exceed the current offering and handily take the crown of “fastest chip in a consumer computer.”