Apple's next step could be the in-house design of processors that could be used in future Mac products, KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo says. In a recent note, obtained by Apple Insider, Chi-Kuo says future Mac computers may run on Apple's own in-house series of new, more powerful A processors, rather than Intel's chips.

The A-series processors currently power Apple's line of iPads and iPhones.

Removing Intel from Apple's products could help the company maintain complete control over when it launches its products, Kuo's note said.

Last May, French Apple news blog MacBidouille had also reported that Apple would makes this change for its Mac lineup.