Apple M1 Macs: Everything you need to know

Macs are undergoing a big change. Apple is switching its internal architecture from one that uses Intel CPUs, third-party graphics processors and other parts, to the company’s own ‘system on a chip’. The first Apple silicon SoC for Macs is called the M1.

It’s a big step for Apple and the Mac. But what does it mean for you? In this article, we cover what Apple’s system on a chip means to the user, how it affects what software you can use, and answer other frequently asked questions.

WHAT IS THE ‘APPLE SILICON’ M1 SYSTEM ON A CHIP?

‘Apple silicon’ refers to the chips Apple makes. In the Mac, they replace the Intel processors they have used for the past 14 years, and will eventually also replace the AMD graphics processors in higher-end Macs. Apple silicon first made its appearance in the original iPad.

The M1 is Apple’s first Mac chip. Here are its specifications:

• 5 nanometre process technology• 8-core CPU• 4 performance cores• 4 efficiency cores• 7-• 16-core Neural Engine• 8GB or 16GB of RAM