While Apple has consistently produced and designed processors for the iPhone, this did not extend to Macs, which continued to utilise inefficient Intel CPUs. Apple, on the other hand, proposed a resolution to this dilemma in 2020: the development of its own laptop processors, the M-series, which represented the company’s initial significant shift to ARM designs. The following is an exhaustive explanation of Apple silicon and its significance.
Why did Apple make the switch?
Prior to proceeding with the explanation, it is crucial to comprehend the reasoning that Apple employed to make the transition. Apple demonstrated a significant dedication to Intel in 2006 by substituting IBM CPUs with Intel processors in every single one of its laptops. Nevertheless, Intel’s technological progress stalled as it continued to operate on the 14nm platform for more than five years. Although the lack of progress may not have posed a significant issue for the majority of laptop manufacturers, Apple’s insistence on producing ultra-thin and streamlined devices led to overheating, which ultimately compromised the user experience.
Apple’s decision to abandon Intel was not, however, purely a strategic business decision; the company could have instead pursued AMD, which was experiencing a resurgence at the time. Conversely, the organisation aimed for more than a simple supplier switch, selecting its ARM line of mobile processors.
However, one may inquire whether ARM is inherently superior to X86. The response is slightly intricate. Evidently, Apple’s implementation of the ARM architecture, which was obtained through a licence from Arm Holdings, not only bolstered its authority over the processors but also granted control over RAM and GPU, both of which are crucial components.
This allowed Apple to integrate all of these components into a single SOC (System On Chip), substantially increasing efficiency while maintaining or surpassing the performance levels of the Intel processors, in contrast to other companies that utilise separate chips for each component. This transition resulted in the development of the first M1 processor, whose remarkable battery life, performance, and efficiency caused a stir.
The M3 sequence
Apple has recently introduced the M3, the third generation of its processors. Nevertheless, due to the diverse range of products offered by Apple, including the MacBook Pro and the MacBook AIR, each product receives an exclusive iteration of the processor. Other variations consist of:
eight CPU processors and ten GPU cores in M3.
M3 Pro: fourteen to eighteen GPU cores and eleven to twelve CPU cores
14 to 16 CPU cores and 30 to 40 GPU cores maximum for the M3
Apple asserts that the GPU capabilities of the new M3 processor are 2.5 times faster than those of the prior M1 CPUs, while it consumes only half the power. In addition, the up to 30% improvement in performance over its predecessors is partially attributable to the new 3-nanometer technology.
Which CPU best suits your needs?
Due to the delicate nature of Apple’s performance metrics, selecting the proper CPU is critical. The standard M3 laptop provides sufficient performance for users whose primary activities consist of web browsing, light video editing, or informal programming.
However, individuals in fields such as application development or design who need more processing power on the GPU and CPU may find the M3 Pro to be a more suitable option. Conversely, individuals employed in high-pressure environments such as 4K video editing and visual effects should contemplate upgrading to the M3 Max.
Ultimately, the Ultra iteration of the M-series processors signifies the pinnacle and is offered in desktop configurations including the Mac Pro and the Mac Studio. It is essential to mention, nevertheless, that Apple has not declared the M3 Ultra processor as of yet.
Which form factor should be selected?
After determining which processor to purchase, the form factor must be selected. Apple offers desktops and laptops that contain M-series processors, with each model featuring its own unique iteration:
Macs with M3 chips: 14-inch MacBook Pro and 24-inch iMac
MacBook Pro 14-inch and MacBook Pro 16-inch Macs with M3 Pro chips
Macs featuring the M3 Max chip: MacBook Pro 16-inch and 14-inch models
Expected Macs with M3 Ultra chips: Mac Pro and Mac Studio