Apple’s latest
marketing show (with the typical hype)
announced the “
M1” processor today, the first Mac CPU designed by Apple on the ARM platform – actually, an SoC (“System on Chip”) that integrates memory with multiple processors, including 4 high-performance CPU cores plus 4 high-efficiency cores; integrated graphics hardware with up to 8 GPU cores; plus a 16-core “neural engine”; an updated “Secure Enclave” processor; a Thunderbolt / USB 4 controller, and more. A major reduction in power requirements is part of this transition, complemented by changes in
macOS 11 “Big Sur” and Apple’s apps.
Apple claims that even Intel apps running via its
Rosetta 2 translation layer can out-perform integrated graphics on native Intel hardware and that native ARM code (“
universal” apps) will run stunningly fast on new Apple hardware.
A silent, fan-less
MacBook Air with M1 processor makes its debut, claiming up to 3.5x more performance (and up to 5x faster graphics), SSDs with up to twice the performance, and the specialized performance benefits of Apple’s “neural engine” hardware. Battery life is claimed to be up to twice as long, while an image signal processor improves video conferencing and coordinates with the neural processor for tasks such as face recognition. Dual Thunderbolt 3 / USB 4 ports (USB-C) handle input/output.
MacBook Air pricing remains the same, starting at $999+ with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD, neither of which can be upgraded after purchase.
A new 13-inch
MacBook Pro transitions to the M1 hardware, too, but uses an active cooling system with a fan, in contrast to the MacBook Air’s fan-less design. Two ports support Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4. Pricing starts at the same level, $1299+ with non-upgradable 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD, plus Touch Bar, Touch ID, Force Touch trackpad, and backlit “Magic Keyboard.”
Apple has a new
Mac Mini with the M1 system-on-chip, promising much faster integrated graphics performance and faster processing vs. the 4-core Intel Mac Mini. Dual USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4, and it also has HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, and dual USB-A ports. Its new starting price is $699+ with 8GB non-upgradable RAM and 256GB non-upgradable SSD. (Apple’s 6-core Intel Mac Mini remains available, starting at $1,099+ with upgradable RAM.)
Ordering begins today with availability next week, while macOS 11 “Big Sur” is due this Thursday.