Updated: November 11, 2020 3:38:18 pm
Apple’s M1 chip for Mac is a single system on a chip (SoC) that handles both computational tasks and graphics output.
Apple announced three new Mac models on Tuesday, but there is one thing in common between all of them: the M1 chip. The move, a huge blow to Intel, marks the beginning of a new era for the PC market. For the first time, Apple is using an ARM-powered processor to power its most popular Macs – a MacBook Air, a 13-inch MacBook Pro, and a Mac Mini. That means your next Mac computer will have Apple’s custom M1 chip and not an Intel Core processor inside. But what is the M1 chip and what made Apple ditch Intel for its own silicon in future Macs?
Here are answers to some questions you may have about the M1 chip and what it means for future Macs.
What is the Apple M1 chip?
The Apple M1 is an 8-core SoC (System-on-Chip) chip based on a 5-nanometer architecture and consists of 16 billion transistors. Simply put, this SoC handles all computing tasks as well as graphical output. There are four performance cores and four efficiency cores in the CPU. Apple says it has the highest CPU performance per watt, and the four efficiency cores match the performance of a dual-core MacBook Air and consume much less power. This means that a Mac with the M1 chip will have better energy efficiency and longer battery life.
Is the M1 chip powerful enough to outperform the processors used in previous Macs?
Apple says the M1 offers “up to 3.5 times faster CPU performance, up to 6 times faster GPU performance, and up to 15 times faster machine learning” with up to twice the battery life. For example, Apple says that apps like Garage Band can handle three times more instruments and effects plug-ins, while Final Cut Pro can generate complex timelines up to six times faster.
The M1 has four high-efficiency cores and two high-performance cores. (Image credit: Apple)
What are the advantages of the M1 chip over Intel’s Core processors?
Apple says Macs with M1 technology are better devices, because their own silicon offers better performance and longer battery life. For example, the new MacBook Air can offer a battery life of 17 hours when browsing the web and 18 hours when watching movies. Similarly, Apple’s new M1 chip enables up to 20 hours of battery life in the new MacBook Pro. New Macs now act more like a smartphone and tablet, with the ability to wake up instantly. Plus, new Macs can even run iPhone apps, if developers make them available on Apple’s App Store.
Heard that the new MacBook Air is fanless. It is true?
Yes, the new MacBook Air does not have a cooling fan. The original 12-inch MacBook also had a fanless design, but featured a weaker Intel processor. However, in the case of the new MacBook Air, Apple’s M1 chip makes the entry-level laptop just as powerful as the new MacBook Pro. Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro and Mac mini will come with cooling fans.
The new Apple Macs with the M1 processor. (Image credit: Apple)
What’s new in the M1-powered MacBook Pro?
The 13-inch MacBook Pro with the M1 chip can deliver 2.8 times the CPU performance, 5 times faster graphics, up to 11 times faster machine learning, and up to 20 hours of battery life. The new machine looks identical to the existing 13-inch MacBook Pro (Intel variant) but comes with the M1 chip.
Does Apple offer iMac with M1 chip?
Not yet, but you can buy the Mac Mini with M1 technology. According to Apple, the new Mac Mini has up to 3 times faster CPU, up to 6 times faster graphics, up to 15 times faster machine learning, and 60% more energy efficiency. Apple hasn’t updated the design of the new Mac Mini.
How much does the 13-inch MacBook Air / MacBook Pro cost?
Both the new MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro are available for pre-order and will launch in India soon. Prices start at Rs 92,900 and Rs 122,900, respectively.
Is the new Mac Mini with M1 cheaper than the Intel variant?
Yes, the new Mac Mini with M1 starts at Rs 64,900 with 256GB of storage. It’s around $ 100 cheaper than the Intel-based Mac Mini, which currently retails for around Rs 71,990.
The M1 chip uses a 5-nanometer production process, similar to the latest A14 chip in the iPhone 12. (Image credit: Apple)
Will all my applications run on M1 Mac?
There is no concrete answer. While macOS Big Sur will run natively on the M1 chip, there is a chance that many third-party apps won’t run at all. To support old and new applications, Apple encourages developers to use Rosetta 2, an emulation software, to allow the M1 Macs to run Intel code. The good news is that with macOS Big Sur, all your Mac software runs natively on Intel and M1 machines.
Can I buy Intel Mac from Apple?
Apple’s M1 chip is the future of the next generation of Macs, but Intel-based Macs have yet to be phased out. In fact, Apple continues to offer the 13-inch Mac Mini and MacBook Pro with Intel Core i5 or Core i7 CPU options. If you look at Apple’s current lineup, the iMac, 16-inch MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, and iMac Pro can still be purchased from Apple’s online store. All of these machines have an Intel processor inside them.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
.
