Apple unveiled its M1 processor in late 2020. This is the company’s first ARM-based semiconductor, as well as the first microprocessor built in-house for personal computers. The M1 microprocessor, which boasts “amazing performance” and “revolutionary power efficiency,” has gotten a lot of attention, publicity, and examination.
Many of our tech-savvy or at the very least tech-curious people are interested in the M1 chip. They want to know whether buying Apple machines produced by M1 is a good investment.
What’s the big deal about the M1 chip?
Not just for Apple, but for the whole industry, the M1 processor marks several firsts. For almost a decade, Apple has been creating its processors and employing them in its mobile devices (iPhones and iPads). This is the first time, though, that Apple has employed its CPUs in a personal computer.
Apple’s new CPU has improved speed and performance, which are crucial features. The introduction of the M1 chip, on the other hand, marks a turning point in the computer industry. The M1 uses the same semiconductor design seen in smartphones and tablets. Users may enjoy the same advantages on their laptops that they have come to expect from their mobile devices. A computer that is constantly on, accessible, and has a short boot/load time.
Apple Chip Architectures: A Quick Overview
Intel CPUs have been used in Windows-based computers since their introduction in the late 1970s. Apple, on the other hand, is on its fourth chip architecture in its 36-year existence.
When the original Apple computer was introduced in 1984, it featured a Motorola 68K chip design. The initial Apple computer employed an early graphical interface to show graphics, even though Intel CPUs were already being used in the tech industry. This was in contrast to prior computers’ text and command prompts. For this shift, the 68K chips offered the necessary computing power.
Intel processors made great improvements in terms of efficiency and computing power throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. To stay up, Apple altered its architecture for the first time in 1994, partnering with IBM and Motorola to embrace PowerPC.
Apple surprised the world when they announced in 2005 that they would be switching to Intel CPUs. Steve Jobs ascribed the architectural shift to Intel’s stronger product pipeline as well as PowerPC’s inability to construct the things he envisioned.
After 15 years, Apple revealed the M1 processor, which was developed and produced entirely in-house. This marked the beginning of the end for Intel processors. It also meant that computers based on the Intel architecture will be phased out over time.
What is the purpose of the M1 Chip?
The M1 chip integrates computation, I/O (Input/Output), security, and memory and was designed in-house using the same ARM-based technology used in Apple’s iPhones and iPads. To offer all of these functions, previous Macs required numerous chips. The M1 incorporates all of these features onto a single chip. It’s also the world’s first personal computer chip, with 16 billion transistors and a 5-nanometer process. This is a lot of technical jargon that comes down to two main benefits for the common user: lightning-fast performance and excellent battery life.
Users can edit high-resolution photographs three times quicker using the M1 chip. They also have faster loading times and better scrolling. The M1’s GPU (graphics processing unit) update also enables multiple 4k playbacks at the same time. When playing graphics-intensive games, the GPU processes frames at a faster pace. Overall, consumers can anticipate a more fluid and efficient experience while using their computer for anything from work-related creative chores to unwinding and playing the newest video game.
Is it necessary for me to get an Apple computer with M1 architecture?
The quick answer is that it all depends on your company and your requirements. TSP IT Services is starting to update our customers’ PCs when they become obsolete. We have identified no serious concerns with either the M1 machines or Big Sur after months of testing (the operating system they run on). However, many of the apps that we and our customers use have yet to be updated and completely debugged on Big Sur. We expect these applications to be updated and completely tested on the new OS sooner rather than later, but we’re holding off on upgrading certain workstations until all of our support stack software is Big Sur compatible and thoroughly tested.
Limitations Currently Existing
Before becoming too enamored with the speed and battery life afforded by upgrading, users should be mindful of the limitations of the M1 processor that was initially launched. The absence of virtual machine support is the first of these constraints. To access specific Windows-only software, many Apple users install a Windows emulator on their computer. Windows-based applications are written in an Intel-compatible language, but not for the new M1 processor. We think that support will be available shortly, but if this is a critical component of your everyday computing, we recommend that you wait until official support is released.
Support for the Screen
The number of displays supported by the M1 chip is the second significant constraint that many of our customers (and our personnel) face. Apple Macs with Intel CPUs might have up to five monitors and eGPUs (external graphics processors). For laptop PCs, the M1 chip presently only supports one external display. For designers or programmers who need the versatility that numerous screens give, this is a severe constraint.
Is my old computer now obsolete?
Not in the least! Apple provides support for its laptops for up to five years after they have been discontinued. If you’re still on the fence or satisfied with your present system, there’s no need to run out and buy an M1-based computer.
The M1 is now available on Apple’s entire product range, including their higher-end workstations designed for creative designers and IT professionals. Apple is pushing for the popularity of universal apps that operate effectively on both chip architectures, and there are presently no programs that run solely on M1-based architecture for individuals operating intel-based Macs fearful that their devices would become paperweights.
While your computer is unlikely to become outdated very soon, we’re certain that the M1’s improved performance and battery life will attract many customers to upgrade sooner rather than later.
Keep in Touch macOS devices have a longer life span, and Apple has shown that they will never stop inventing. Is it necessary for your process to have multi-display and virtual machine support? Sign up for our newsletter to get updates from TSP IT Services.