New MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, & Mac Mini with Apple Silicon M1 Chip Released
Apple has released the first Apple Silicon Macs, beginning a likely multi-year process of divorcing the Mac line from Intel CPU architecture. The new Macs include a base-model MacBook Pro 13″, MacBook Air 13″, and Mac mini, each with the new M1 Apple chip.
The new Apple silicon Macs maintain their existing chassis and hardware design, meaning the differences are entirely in the internal components and performance.
Let’s check out a quick overview of the new hardware.
MacBook Pro 13″ with M1 Apple Silicon
The new base model MacBook Pro 13″ model with the M1 Apple chip replaces the lower end Intel models.
- 8 core M1 CPU (at currently unknown clock speed)
- 8 Core GPU with 16-core Neural Engine
- 8GB of RAM configurable up to 16GB
- 256GB SSD storage, configurable up to 2TB
- Active cooling system for improved performance
- Longest battery life ever on a Mac, with up to 17 hours of web browsing and 20 hours of video playback
- 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 support
- Studio quality microphones
- Same 720p front FaceTime Camera but apparently with sharper images and more contrast
- 13″ Retina display
- Touch Bar with Touch ID
- Secure enclave
- 2 Thunderbolt ports
- Can run iPhone and iPad apps natively
- Ships with macOS Big Sur
- Prices start at $1299
- 8 core M1 CPU
- 8 Core GPU with 16-core Neural Engine
- 8GB of RAM configurable up to 16GB
- 256GB SSD storage, configurable up to 2TB
- No fans, instead an aluminum heat spreader dissipates heat
- Up to 18 hour battery life
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Same 720p front FaceTime Camera, with improved contrast
- 13″ Retina display
- Secure Enclave with Touch ID
- 2 Thunderbolt ports
- Can run iPhone and iPad apps natively
- Ships with macOS Big Sur preinstalled
- Prices start at $999
- 8 Core M1 CPU
- 8 Core GPU with 16-core Neural Engine
- Supports up to two external displays
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Secure enclave
- Advanced thermal design for sustained performance while staying cool and quiet
- 8GB RAM, configurable up to 16GB
- 256GB storage, configurable up to 2TB
- Can run iPhone and iPad apps natively
- Ships with macOS Big Sur
- Starts at $699
You can pre-order the M1 MacBook Pro 13″ starting now, and the Mac will ship beginning on November 17.
MacBook Air 13″ with M1 Apple Silicon
The new Apple Silicon MacBook Air models are all based on the M1 chip.
Pre-orders for the M1 based MacBook Air 13″ are available now, with the new MacBook Air being available and shipped on November 17.
Mac mini with M1 Chip
The new Mac mini with Apple Silicon replaces the base-model Mac mini. Some specs are as follows:
The new M1 Mac mini is available to pre-order now, and can ship as soon as November 17.
Each of the new Macs was launched today at an online Apple press event. Interested users can watch the full 45 minute presentation below via YouTube embedded video:
Wow, you describe my thought.
Need a new computer, but the question should wait to see how the market adopted it? Or should I buy the old version? Apple not always doing good on the first product
Does anyone have any recommendations? Thoughts?
I see more benefit to Apple with these chips than for end users who do gain probably performance bumps and battery life. But clearly Apple wants to reduce costs with using same silicon across models. Makes for much less separation between base MacBook Air and Pro lineup? I’m on the fence about buying any of these models on face value from an Apple event. I see the benefits of this architecture with Apple silicon for sure. But it also isolates Mac’s more into an Apple system of approved apps and locked down hardware.
I agree with you. I certainly would wait until some hands-on reviews become available.
I’m curious if they’re going to be running the M1 at a faster clock rate on the pro (along with active cooling).