According to a Bloomberg article, Apple could work on three new Mac models for this year. All three could have an ARM coprocessor to improve security. Apple does not completely switch to ARM chipsets. There will always be an Intel processor in each Mac, but with a second ARM processor.
Currently, the MacBook Pro has a T1 chip while the iMac Pro has a T2 chip. On the MacBook Pro, the ARM coprocessor handles the Touch ID sensor and touch bar.
This way, your fingerprint is never stored on your laptop's SSD drive – it stays on the T1 secure enclave. The Intel processor gets a positive response only once a fingerprint is validated.
The iMac Pro goes even further and uses the T2 to replace many discrete controllers. The T2 controls your stereo speakers, your internal microphone, the fans, the camera and the internal storage. The coprocessor can encrypt data in real time. And when you start the device, the T2 validates the integrity of the system before putting it back to the Intel processor.
Everyone already knows that Apple is still working on a brand new Mac Pro. And it would make sense to include an ARM coprocessor on this high-end desktop machine. But it looks like the company wants to use ARM coprocessors throughout the range.
Bloomberg thinks two models of laptops will have an ARM coprocessor this year. Could it be an updated 12 inch MacBook Retina and a new MacBook Air? We still do not know if the MacBook Air will be updated again, but I do not see another potential laptop in the Apple lineup. In any case, new Mac models with ARM coprocessors will be much more resistant to malware and ransomware.