This will not have dragged on: the entire range of MacBook laptops now runs on Apple’s “in-house” processors, all based on the M1 which equips the 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro that appeared in the catalog in winter 2020. They have been since joined by the high-end 14- and 16-inch Macbook Pros, equipped with the choice of M1 Pro or M1 Max processors. Each of these iterations brings its share of improvements, especially in terms of performance, as we will see later. The result is clear: if you had waited to see if Apple’s processors would hold up, rest assured, they are a good replacement for Intel’s chips. Now that the range is complete, you can choose the model that suits you, without fear of losing anything, on the contrary! Especially since all derivatives of Apple’s M1 chip deliver excellent performance while consuming much less energy.
Where does the power of the M1 processor and its derivatives come from?
To achieve these almost uncompromising results, Apple has “simply” chosen to rely on the processors already developed in-house for its iPhone and iPad. For a few years now, the performance of our smartphones had reached that of our computers, Macs or PCs, despite much more drastic thermal constraints and power consumption since they necessarily operate on battery power. This is why the M1 processor is based on the A14 chip that powers the iPhone 12 and iPad Air 4. Depending on use, the performance of a Mac M1 will therefore be at least similar to that of an iPhone 12. the simplest ones, relying only on a single computing core, will therefore be performed at roughly the same speed by a Mac M1 and an iPhone 12. Note that this is also true for all Macs, regardless of the version of M1 used: the single-core performances are identical. But it is the multiplication of the number of computing cores that makes all the difference. And so, the more you go up in range, the more calculation cores you get. While the M1 processor has 8 computing cores and 7 or 8 graphics cores, the M1 Pro can go up to 10 computing cores and 16 graphics cores. As for the M1 Max, it’s 10 computing cores and up to 32 graphics cores! Thanks to this over-equipment, the performance is there. The “very short” M1 had already surprised everyone in the field, and the Pro and Max derivatives are also breathtaking.
M1 processor: a radically different and very efficient design
How was Apple able to achieve such a feat? Without going into too much technical detail, we must first realize that Apple can afford the luxury of developing processors specifically designed for its own platforms. While Intel is forced to create more generalist processors.
In addition, based on all the integration work already done on processors for iPhone and iPad, Apple has managed to bring together inside the M1 and its derivatives a set of components hitherto distributed on the motherboard Intel-based machines. This is the reason why this type of processor is called a SoC which means in English System on a Chip, or system on a chip. There are thus, all at once, the CPU cores (main processor), the GPU cores (graphics card), the Neural Engine (a type of processor specifically designed for artificial intelligence), the input/output management, and even RAM. Yes, you read correctly, the 8 or 16 GB of memory of the M1 (you can go up to 32 GB on the M1 Pro and 64 GB on the M1 Max) are well integrated into the SoC itself. Technical performance and a major asset for velocity.
Step up to the next level with 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros
It took a few more months for MacBook Pro replacements to arrive, but it was worth it. Not only do the new kings of laptops welcome the more advanced and therefore faster versions of the M1 processors, in Pro and Max versions (see above), but they correct almost all the defects of the MacBook Pros of previous generations, which had attracted them so many reviews! These new MacBooks thus welcome a new MagSafe 3 magnetic charging connector, so effective in avoiding dropping the MacBook if you ever trip over the wire, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SD card reader and even an HDMI socket. to easily connect them to a screen or a projector! Only USB-A is missing: you will still need an adapter to connect a traditional USB key.
The screen of these new MacBook Pros also deserves a few superlatives. Whether you choose the 14.2-inch (36 cm) or 16.2-inch (41 cm) version, you will benefit from ultra-fine definition, called Retina by Apple, and mini-LED technology ensuring a high-output display. contrast (HDR) of the most beautiful effect. All complemented by Apple’s ProMotion technology which allows the system to vary the refresh rate from 24 to 120 frames per second according to needs. And the result is stunning because the change is instantaneous. Are you reading a webpage? The system “calms down” and lowers the refresh to 24 frames per second. But as soon as you touch your mouse or trackpad to scroll that page, the screen jumps to 120 frames per second to ensure smooth, fast, and jerk-free scrolling. A treat, which also optimizes energy consumption.
Are Apple M1 processors compatible?
That’s all well and good, but are these MacBooks that promise to be so powerful capable of running all the applications we use on a daily basis? Rest assured, the answer is yes. But not always under the same conditions. To take full advantage of the performance of the new Apple processors, applications must be written for them. This is obviously the case for all the applications that are integrated into the system, since macOS 11 Big Sur and of course in the current macOS 12 Monterey.
Fortunately, that doesn’t mean apps designed for Intel processors don’t work anymore. When you launch one of these on a Mac M1 or derivative, it takes care of translating them on the first launch, so that the new processor understands them. This is the role played by the Rosetta 2 module, created by Apple for this purpose.
For the anecdote, the name of Rosetta refers to the Rosetta Stone which allowed the Egyptologist Champollion to translate hieroglyphs for the first time, at the beginning of the 19th century. And this is the second version of this module, since it is the second time that Apple has undertaken such a processor transition. In 2006 it was then a question of moving from Power PC processors to, precisely, Intel processors.
In this case, the performance is not optimal, showing a loss of about 20% at most, according to what the first tests show. But M1 processors are so powerful that you don’t even realize it. Especially since the scenario is increasingly rare because software publishers have worked very quickly to adapt their applications to Apple’s new processors. Chances are you’ve never used Rosetta.
A MacBook for Windows?
And Windows then? One of the major advantages of Macs when they adopted Intel processors in 2006 was precisely to be able to run Windows optimally, since they used the same processor as PCs. On a Mac M1 or derivative, impossible to boot into Boot Camp mode. Remember that this is a function offered by Apple in Mac OS X allowing you to install Windows alongside the macOS system and choose one or the other when starting your Mac. And it is currently impossible to run an Intel version of Windows on a Mac M1 and derivative. In short, for those who need Windows, Apple’s message is clear: buy a PC!
What autonomy for the new MacBooks?
When choosing a laptop, battery life is obviously a determining factor. And in this area, the new MacBook M1s have something to turn heads. While the Apple-rated battery life of previous MacBooks peaked at around 10 hours, the MacBook Air M1 promises battery life of up to 18 hours! And the MacBook Pros are no exception, promising 5 to 9 p.m. depending on whether you choose the 14 or 16 inch.
How to choose the right options for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro?
As we have seen, all M1 processors and derivatives integrate the system’s RAM. It is therefore necessary to choose the quantity at the time of purchase because you cannot modify it afterwards. You can go up to 16 GB for the M1 models, up to 32 GB for the M1 Pro and up to 64 GB for the M1 Ultra. You will also have to choose the number of CPU and GPU cores (see above) which, again, you obviously cannot upgrade later. It will then remain to choose the storage: up to 2 TB for the MacBook Air and 8 TB for the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Each added option obviously increases the price, so choose according to your budget. If the latter forces you to make a choice between increasing the RAM or the storage, always favor the RAM. More RAM will ensure a longer life for your Mac as versions of macOS get more power hungry. And if you ever run out of storage, just add an external SSD via USB-C or Thunderbolt 4. Transfers won’t be as fast as internal storage, but they’ll be more than enough to store your photo library. for example. And don’t forget that from the basic model you get a machine with performances that will amaze you!
The most attentive will have noticed that we are hardly talking about the 13-inch MacBook Pro. This machine appeared at the same time as the MacBook Air is therefore equipped with the same M1 processor. It therefore offers identical performance and slightly longer autonomy, but costs 300 euros more. Also note that this is the only model in the game to offer the Touch Bar, this small screen above the keyboard and which replaces the function keys. And it’s probably also the last.
The era of Intel-based MacBooks is therefore over, and that of desktop Macs (see our guide on this subject) is about to be. But the models that replace them ultimately only have advantages. Follow our tips below to choose the right MacBook for you.