Apple is bringing its in-house chip to Macs with the M1 processor. As silicon dedicated to Mac computers, Apple’s debut desktop SoC combines practically everything into one chip, utilizing a unified memory architecture for optimized performance. Like the A14 Bionic, the M1 is manufactured using a 5nm process and has a total of 16 billion transistors.
The M1 is an octa-core processor that has four high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores. For graphics, the M1 utilizes an 8-core integrated GPU. Like the A14 Bionic, the M1 has a 16-core neural engine that can do 11 trillion operations per second. Other features include support for USB 4.0 and Thunderbolt 4,
To maximize the potential of M1, Apple is debuting MacOS Big Sur, which is the first MacOS optimized for Apple’s new in-house chip. With Big Sur and M1, Mac users can natively run iOS apps with MacOS Big Sur.
To debut the M1, Apple is launching M1-powered versions of the MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini. While they look virtually identical to their Intel-powered counterparts, their use of Apple’s M1 processor gives them up to 3.5x better CPU performance, up to 6x better GPU performance, and up to 15x better machine learning capabilities compared to their Intel counterparts.
All three M1-powered Macs can be configured with up to 16GB RAM and 2TB SSD storage, and come with features like WiFi 6 and Thunderbolt 4.
The M1-powered MacBook Air goes for a fanless design while retaining virtually the same design language as its Intel-based counterpart.
For those who prefer a desktop, there’s the M1-powered Mac Mini, which has all the essential ports you need like 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, HDMI, ethernet, a headphone jack, and two USB-A ports for legacy devices.
Those who need a more powerful workhorse can opt for the M1-powered 13-inch MacBook Pro with 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports and a touch bar. Unlike the Mac Mini and MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro utilizes an active cooling system (aka it has a fan) to handle the added workload.
Philippine pricing for Apple’s new M1-powered Macs are as follows:
Mac Mini
M1 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU/8GB RAM/256GB SSD storage – Php 37,990
M1 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU/8GB RAM/512GB SSD storage – Php 49,990
Macbook Air
M1 8-Core CPU and 7-Core GPU/8GB RAM/256GB SSD storage – Php 54,990
M1 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU/8GB RAM/512GB SSD storage – Php 68,990
13-inch MacBook Pro
M1 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU/8GB RAM/256GB SSD storage – Php 71,990
M1 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU/8GB RAM/512GB SSD storage – Php 83,990