In the MacBook Air M2, Apple replaced an Intel-made component responsible for controlling the USB and Thunderbolt ports with a bespoke controller, which means the latest remnants of Intel are now completely out of the latest Mac.
Earlier this month, repair website iFixit shared a teardown of the new MacBook Air, revealing a glimpse inside the completely redesigned machine. One subtle detail that went largely unnoticed was that, unlike previous Macs, the latest MacBook Air introduces bespoke controllers for USB and Thunderbolt ports.
iFixit mentioned this in their report, noting that they located a “Thunderbolt 3 driver apparently made by Apple, instead of the Intel chips we know of.” The new component has been shared on Twitter earlier todaywhere it received more attention.
Few details are known about the controllers, including whether they are custom-made by Apple or a third party. In May 2021, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicated that Apple plans to “replace the last remaining Intel part with an internal version”. Apple’s current M1 Macs still use an Intel component known as the USB Retimer, which powers its computer’s USB-C and Thunderbolt ports. ”
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