Apple is reportedly working on an ARM-based chip for MacBook Pro 2017. This rumored news is said to be the first step of the Cupertino-based company towards independence from Intel processor. Advantages and benefits from utilizing ARM-based chip including the new feature called "Power Nap" are explained below.

The report, which was originally published by Bloomberg, has since been deciphered by many as a sign that Apple is currently working on a new ARM-based chip to add to the MacBook Pro 2017 specs. If this proves to be true then the next-generation MacBook will mark the start of a new era where Apple will substantially reduce its dependence on Intel for notebook processors.

The Bloomberg report also states that, the chip went into development in 2016 and is likely to be similar to the one which was used in the latest MacBook Pro. The updated part in the chip, which is also known by the internal codename T310, is being optimized to take charge of certain low-power mode functionalities that will be used in MacBook Pro 2017. You should note that the report is based on input from "people asked not to be identified", presumably insiders with access to the ongoing development process.

Among other tasks, the T310 chip will also be used for Power Nap, a feature which was firstly introduced in 2012. Power Nap feature will allow MacBook Pro 2017 to silently wake up when it's sleeping to sync your iCloud data, and upload images to iCloud, or fetch your calendar events and emails. It also eases small Time Machine backups.

In the meantime, according to a Forbes, the latest range of high end Apple laptops will not launch in the market soon, taking into account that the earlier year's laptops are still fresh in the market. However, speculations are surfacing on the net that Apple will unveil the new laptop by mid-2017. Various reports claim that since the company has introduced their innovative Touch Bar technology in the MacBook Pro 2016 models, it is not likely that the MacBook Pro 2017 will witness a major design change.

A 15-inch laptop is rumored to be in the works that will feature 32GB RAM and Kaby Lake processor. According to MacRumors, the MacBook Pro 2017  will be released this year. However, some other reports suggest that the production of MacBook Pro will not commence till September.

The MacBook Pro with the Touch Bar, which came out in October last year, was priced at $1,749 for the 13-inch variant and the 15-inch MacBook Pro was sold at $2,399. At present the most costly MacBook Pro available in the market with a price tag of $2,799. So the price for the MacBook Pro 2017 will not be much different from MacBook Pro 2016.