To accompany the new ARM-based M1 SoC for Macs, the company unveiled the M1-powered Macbook Air, 13-inch Macbook Pro and Mac Mini. All three come pre-loaded with the macOS Big Sur and powered by the new Apple M1 chip to deliver up to 3.5x faster CPU performance, up to 6x faster GPU performance, up to 15x faster machine learning (ML) workloads and up to 2x longer battery life.
Apple Macbook Air with M1 Chip
The new M1-powered Macbook Air has the same sleek chassis as its predecessor; however, performance level has increased largely due to the new 8-core ARM-based Mac-focused chip. According to the company, this model is not only 3.5x faster in performance, however, it also offers 5x graphics performance and 9x faster machine learning (ML) workloads. The Air’s design remains fanless and the battery lasts up to 18 hours of battery life.
The rest of the specs include 8GB RAM (configurable up to 16GB), 256GB/512GB SSD storage (configurable up to 2TB), Wi-Fi 6, 2x Thunderbolt ports with USB 4 support, Bluetooth 5, Touch ID, Magic keyboard, and 13.3-inch Retina display. It arrives in Gold, Silver and Space Grey colours for a price tag stating at US$ 999 (AU$ 1,599 inc. GST) and $899 (AU$ 1,439 inc. GST) for education.
Apple Macbook Pro 13 with M1 Chip
The M1-powered Macbook Pro 13-inch also offers noteworthy performance improvements over its predecessor. The new model’s CPU is up to 2.8x times faster, graphics is 5x faster, machine learning (ML) workloads is 11x faster, and battery life has improved significantly. Most of the specs remain the same as its predecessor with the addition of the Apple’s latest camera ISP, Secure Enclave, Touch ID and 2x Thunderbolt ports with USB 4 support. The base model is available from US$1,299 (AU$ 1,999) and US$ 1,199 (AU$ 1,849) for education.
Apple Mac Mini with M1 Chip
Now powered by the M1 chip, Apple’s ultra-compact computer is set to deliver up to 3x faster performance, 6x increase in graphics performance and 15x faster machine learning (ML) workloads when compared to its predecessor. It also features advanced thermal design, Wi-Fi 6, Secure Enclave, 2x Thunderbolt ports with USB 4 support and supports up to two displays including Apple’s Pro Display XDR. It is now available for a price tag starting at US$ 699 (AU$ 1,099), which is more affordable than existing models with Intel processors.
Commenting on the launch, Apple’s CEO – Tom Cook said;
“The introduction of three new Macs featuring Apple’s breakthrough M1 chip represents a bold change that was years in the making and marks a truly historic day for the Mac and for Apple. M1 is by far the most powerful chip we have ever created, and combined with Big Sur, delivers mind-blowing performance, extraordinary battery life, and access to more software and apps than ever before. We can’t wait for our customers to experience this new generation of Mac, and we have no doubt it will help them continue to change the world.”
Source: Apple Newsroom
