Apple's new M1 chip" Here's what you need to know
Apple finally unveiled and gave everyone a detailed look at the M1 processor, making its debut in the new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini. Without wasting any more text in this intro, here what you need to know.
First the what
Before we even outline the features in the M1, here's a brief synopsis of what exactly is this processor and why it's a big deal with many tech pundits such as myself. The M1 chip is an in-house developed processor that will power the Apple Mac product line. Why is this a big deal, you ask? Because it will be the first time in over15 years, Apple's newest MacBooks and Mac Mini will not come with an Intel processor. The M1 chip ( dubbed the Apple silicon) will make its official appearance in the new MacBook Air, the 13-inch MacBook, and Mac Mini, now available for pre-order.
Ladies and gentleman, the M1 chip
Apple first laid out plans to transition the Mac product line away from Intel back at WWDC. So this means Macs will no longer feature Intel processors; instead, it will develop their own processor. The M1 chip architecture is very similar to the A-Bionic processors found in the current iPhone and iPad. The M1 chip is an SoC (System on Chip), meaning all the integral components such as the memory, GPU, CPU are integrated onto one chip.
The benefits of Apple developing its silicon for the Mac means significantly exceptional software optimization.
What will the M1 CPU feature
The central core of the M1 chip is an 8-core CPU with four highly functional, efficient cores. Each core will provide an industry-leading single-threaded task. Apple has stated this is " the world's fastest CPU cores in a low-power silicon." The name of the game here, folks, is efficiency and less power consumption under heavy workloads.
The Graphics Processing Unit
We're just getting started with M1 chip features, which will also include up to an 8-core GPU capable of executing 25,000 threads. As stated by Apple, this means M1 can handle "extremely demanding tasks with ease, " According to the data provided by Apple, the M1 chip has the "world's fastest integrated graphics in a personal computer" with 2.6 teraflops of throughput.
The Neural engine
Much like that A14 Bionic chip, the M1 chip will have the Neural Engine. It will feature a 16-core design capable of performing 11 trillion operations per second.
Memory and SSD unifies as one
The new M1 chip will add an all-new unified memory, combining high-bandwidth, low latency memory into a single package. The SoC will now access the same data without copying it between multiple pools of memory. This methodology will enhance efficiency and overall performance.
And the other important features
Two features that needs mentions are Apple Secure Enclave and Image Signal Processor. The Secure Enclave featured in the M1 chip will handle Touch ID authentication and other related tasks. In pass gen Macs, Apple included the Secure Enclave in the T1 and T2 chip, but now it is integrated into the M1 chip. The M1 chip Image Signal Processor will improve high quality video with better noise reduction, also improving white balance and higher dynamic range with it’s webcam despite the resolution being just 720p.
