If you see terms like “Pro” or “Ultra” in the name, you’re looking at a beefed-up version of the base model chip, often with more GPU cores, higher capacity RAM options, and more dedicated encode and decode engines for video editing. These are: the original M1 released in 2020, the M1 Pro and M1 Max models released alongside the redesigned 2021 MacBook Pro, the M1 Ultra chip as seen in the Mac Studio desktop, and the M2 chip announced in mid-2022 that appears in the redesigned MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro.

At the time of writing in June 2022, only one model of Mac mini and the Mac Pro are available for sale on the Apple Store with Intel processors. Apple has spent years converting macOS to work flawlessly on the new processor architecture, and created the Rosetta 2 transpiler which allows macOS on Apple Silicon to create ARM-based versions of most apps on the fly. Best of all, thanks to Apple Silicon, you don’t need to spend big bucks to get serious performance.Īpple Silicon refers to Apple’s new class of processors seen on the Mac (and also the iPad) beginning in 2020. Apple’s new ARM-based processors are fast and efficient, plus old favorites like MagSafe and built-in card readers are making an appearance once again.

continue reading › Related content Buying a Mac? A Base M1 or M2 Chip Is Probably All You Need ›

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