Updated: November 12, 2020 10:52:51 am
M1 is the name of the chipset that powers Apple’s new line of Mac computers: a new MacBook Air, a new 13-inch MacBook Pro, and a Mac Mini desktop.
On Tuesday, when CEO Tim Cook and his top executives introduced the M1, the first internally designed computer chip, the Mac has a new life. For years, Apple has been accused of not doing enough to turn the tide of its Macs, but the Cupertino-based tech firm has now taken the first step in that direction by announcing the first home-made chip for its computers. The message is loud and clear: The Mac is breaking free from the clutches of Intel, the chip giant that has been powering Apple’s laptops and desktops since 2006.
Intel’s transition to ARM-based Apple Silicon is seen as a breakthrough in technology and could well change the future of the Mac. But how does Apple benefit from all this and what does the ARM-based Mac mean for end consumers?
What is the M1 chip?
M1 is the name of the chipset that powers Apple’s new line of Mac computers: a new MacBook Air, a new 13-inch MacBook Pro, and a Mac Mini desktop. Previously, Apple Macs were powered by Intel processors and Apple had to follow Intel’s rules. That took a toll on Apple’s plans to update its Macs as frequently as it does the iPhone and iPad. With the M1, Apple has not only designed its own Mac computer processor, it has full control of the entire process, from start to finish.
Read also | Why Apple makes its own computer chips is so important
What’s so special about the M1 chip?
The M1 is based on ARM-based processor technology that is different from Intel’s x86 architecture. In short, the chips that power the MacBook Air and iPhone 12 now have the same processor technology. That means the M1 and A14 Bionic have the same DNA. But the M1 is clearly designed for the Mac and not for mobile devices, although both chips have a 5-nanometer design. The main benefit of using the M1 is that new Macs will have longer battery life, an instant wake-up from sleep mode, and the ability to run iOS apps. For example, the new 13-inch MacBook Pro has a battery that can last up to 20 hours when watching videos and 17 hours when browsing the web. 📣 Express Explained is now on Telegram
Apple wants full control
The reason Apple ditched Intel and designed custom processors for the Mac has something to do with the way the world’s most valuable technology company operates. Apple wants full control of the product, rather than relying on Intel. This strategy has worked wonders for the company with the iPhone and iPad, and the company led by Tim Cook is poised for more control over the Mac.
But don’t expect Macs with Apple Silicon to cost less. For a change, though, the new Mac Mini costs $ 100 less than its predecessor, but the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro prices remain unchanged.
Microsoft and the entire PC industry could benefit in the long run
There are benefits to the M1 chip, but the transition from Intel to Apple Silicon could pose some challenges. Applications should be rewritten for the new architecture, as most Macs run on Intel x86 processors. Apple has said that its Rosetta 2 software emulator would help M1 run Intel-based applications built for Macs. But since developers are involved, Intel’s transition to its new Arm-based silicon will certainly be challenging. If Apple handles this transition well, it would benefit Microsoft. The Redmond, Washington-based company has been working for years to run its Windows software smoothly on ARM-based processors, but has struggled to convince developers. Apple’s switch from Intel to its own silicon would bring a greater focus on Microsoft’s Surface Pro X, which is powered by a custom processor, jointly developed with Qualcomm. If Surface Pro X sales grow in the future, Microsoft OEMs like HP, Dell, and Lenovo will get serious about making products that really compete with the new Macs.
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