Where Apple ventures others follow, so it should come as no surprise that Google has decided to develop its own CPU for Chromebooks and tablets.
Google is already going down the custom silicon path for the Pixel 6 smartphone, but according to Nikkei Asia, the same is also happening for laptops and tablets running Chrome OS. Three sources have stated that Google intends to have the new CPU ready to ship in devices come 2023.
Apple has already proven it’s possible to switch away from Intel chips for desktop PCs and laptops, as well as ARM processors offered by third-parties for mobile devices. Google already committed to custom silicon for future Android phones and the huge R&D investment that involves, so doing the same for Chrome devices won’t come as too big of a surprise to the industry and investors.
The new processor is expected to be based on an ARM design, and will inevitably end up being compared to Apple’s M chips. The biggest challenge for Google may not be designing the chip or even competition on the consumer market. With the current global semiconductor shortage expected to last for years, Google may struggle to actually get the chips manufactured.