It's confirmed: Apple M1 is the new Mac processor
This is a historic day. The rumors were many and they are confirmed. After announcing the third event of the year, several experts believed that Apple's first processor for computers was on its way.
Apple M1 is the new chip from the American brand—optimized exclusively for Mac systems. This means that only the brand's computers can use this processor.
Historic Milestone
If you're just getting here—and if you're not yet familiar with computer technology—it's important to know why this is a historic milestone in technological evolution.
Until today, major brands (including Apple) used (and still use) Intel processors, another giant American company. Since the first Macintosh was launched in 1984, Intel processors have always been included.
Seeing that Apple is now taking a step forward by creating the M1 is, without a doubt, a historic milestone. It is the first chip developed by the company for personal computers.
Specifications
After announcing the iPhone 12, nothing suggested that Apple would invest in another (big) launch. The M1 promises the best performance ever, ready to receive macOS Big Sur (the latest update of the operating system for Mac).
In a single chip, the Apple M1 uses a unified memory architecture, which allows access to stored data without creating other (unnecessary) storage units. In other words, this means that the computer's performance and efficiency are improved.
The Apple M1 also promises the fastest graphics ever experienced on a personal computer. The brand's new processor also enhances battery saving.
Availability
The Apple M1 will be available from November 17th. The models that include it, for now, are the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13''—in addition to the Mac mini, the brand's portable CPU.
But the sky is the limit. It is therefore expected that from now on all Apple personal computers will include the M1. It is not yet known, therefore, whether the processor will be sold separately, but it is likely not.
So, if you want to experience the fast performance of Apple's new chip, you will have to buy one of the brand's new laptops. It is possible, however, that the processor will also be used in iMacs.