TapticEngine

If no one knows why Apple didn't actively cool the CPU in the 2020 MacBook Air (apart from cost of cause) then you're wrong because I do...
 
You see, Apple has environmental goals to reduce energy usage, increase energy efficiency and eventually be 100% renewable (that means 100% recycled alumunium, tin etc) and yes, you're right Linus they could have just slammed a Copper pipe on there, but here's the thing - in your mind, try to measure that heat pipe connection to that one and only fan. Then, try and mold that heat pipe into the same area as the heatsink. As you can see, the heat pipe requires more material, which is probably why Apple did that. But what about that huge gap between the Cooler and the CPU die? Well, if the cooler is rated for 10W TDP and it can't handle the extra heat, the engineers at Apple probably thought of this idea - you just leave a gap, let the processor suffocate because Intel, in their FAQ page, said that
"Tjunction max is the maximum thermal junction temperature that a processor will allow prior to using internal thermal control mechanisms to reduce power and limit temperature. Activation of the processor's thermal control system may cause performance loss as the processor typically reduces frequency and power to prevent overheating. The goal for a system builder or a do-it-yourself (DIY) end user is to design a platform configuration that keeps the processor under the Tjunction max threshold during heavy workloads to maximize performance of the system."  And it also says in the article that as long as you don't reach the TJMax, the thermal control mechanisms on Intel® Core™ Processors won't activate. Here's what it says:
"Not necessarily. Many Intel® processors make use of Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, which allows them to operate at very high frequency for a short amount of time. When the processor is operating at or near its maximum frequency it's possible for the temperature to climb very rapidly and quickly reach its maximum temperature. In sustained workloads, it's possible the processor will operate at or near its maximum temperature limit. Being at maximum temperature while running a workload isn't necessarily cause for concern. Intel processors constantly monitor their temperature and can very rapidly adjust their frequency and power consumption to prevent overheating and damage." Because if the CPU can run at 99.90°C with just about 100mhz difference, then it's probably not worth it, not to mention that there is "virtually" no performance difference whatsoever. Also, keep in mind that Copper (with thermal paste) can passively dissipate heat more effectively than an aluminium little mini passive heatsink with no thermal paste. So I guess what Apple's strategy is that look - if the CPU is find being toasted forever, other components can't. And no, we're not going to place a thermal pad or heatsink or whatever on top of the VRMs or SSD. So therefore, it will make the laptop chassis cooler and also the CPU more happy because there won't be as much ripples in the power coming into the CPU and any other components really. So yeah, that's my explanation of Apple's controversial heatsink decision for the 2020 MacBook Air. Enjoyed or agreed with me? Let me know down in the comments below!