Apple Introduces All-New MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac Mini
By Andrew Myrick 0 comments Last updated November 11, 2020
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At WWDC ’20, Apple revealed that the company would begin the transition away from Intel processors, and instead will be developing its own processors. The day finally arrived, and not only did we get a look at this new processor, but also some new hardware.
Apple’s new M1 Chip
We would be remiss to gloss over the new Apple M1 chip since this is the brain for all of these new computers. The M1 chip is built on the same 5-nanometer process as Apple’s A14 processor found in the iPhone 12 lineup. In addition to providing more transistors (16 billion), this new processor also has a focus on battery life, performance, and efficiency.
Intel has been the exclusive chipset for Mac computers ever since Apple transitioned from the PowerPC days. However, Apple has put quite an impressive amount of work into this new self-developed chipset. In addition to providing an 8-core CPU paired with up to an 8-core GPU, Apple also packed its 16-core Neural Engine.
Intel’s processors have not been the most impressive in recent years. With the popularity and impressive performance of the processors found in our smartphones and iPads, Apple made the decision to bring its own SoC’s to the Mac.
So what does all of this mean for you? Well, the Apple M1 promises to deliver up to 3.5x faster CPU performance compared to previous generation chipsets. GPU performance is up to 6x faster, along with providing the battery life we all crave, with Macs lasting up to 2x longer than those running Intel-powered Macs.
Here are a few other benefits of the M1 chip:
- Apple’s latest image signal processor (ISP) for higher quality video with better noise reduction, greater dynamic range, and improved auto white balance.
- The latest Secure Enclave for best-in-class security.
- A high-performance storage controller with AES encryption hardware for faster and more secure SSD performance.
- Low-power, highly efficient media encode and decode engines for great performance and extended battery life.
- An Apple-designed Thunderbolt controller with support for USB 4, transfer speeds up to 40Gbps, and compatibility with more peripherals than ever.
MacBook Air
When all of the rumors began swirling about an Apple Silicon-powered MacBook, the obvious candidate was the MacBook Air. This is the thinnest and lightest MacBook in the lineup, so it only made sense for this to be one of the first.
The 2020 MacBook Air moves to a fan-less design, similar to the old 12″ MacBook that is no longer available. Thanks to the M1 Processor and redesigned internal design, the MacBook Air no longer needs to rely on a fan to get rid of heat. The chassis is designed to help dissipate the heat, without experiencing any slowdowns in performance.
Thankfully, the new MacBook Air does not sport a touch bar, unlike the 2020 MacBook pro, but it does include a Touch ID sensor. This is the same placement that we’ve seen from MacBook’s ever since the sensor was introduced.
Specs
- 13.3-inch Retina Display w/ 2560 x 1600 resolution
- Apple M1 Processor
- 7-core / 8-core GPU
- 8GB / 16GB of RAM
- Up to 2TB of Storage
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports
- Touch ID
- 720p FaceTime HD camera
- 0.41-1.61cm x 30.41cm x 21.24cm
- 2.8 pounds
Price
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the MacBook Air is that Apple kept pricing the same as the old iteration. Starting at $999, you’ll get the M1 Processor w/ 7-core CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. There is a bit of a catch though if you dive a bit deeper.
The base model Air’s GPU is limited to a 7-core GPU, and you’ll have to manually select the 8-core option. This is because one of the less-powerful cores has been disabled on the base model, but enabled on the version for $1249 along with 512GB of storage.
You can pre-order the new MacBook Air today, and they will begin arriving on November 17th.
MacBook Pro
Another obvious contender for the new Apple M1 chip was the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Earlier in the year, the 13-inch MacBook Pro was refreshed, but instead of any major additions, this update only brought Intel’s 10th generation processors. Throw those out of the window (you don’t have to), as the new MacBook Pro powered by the Apple M1 chip has arrived.
Keeping the same frame and weight as the previous generation, the MacBook Pro weighs in at just 3-pounds. This comes with a bit more of a creative-focus, as there are no weird differences in the GPU provided. You’ll get Apple’s 8-core M1 CPU, paired with an 8-core GPU, up to 16GB of RAM and up to 2TB of storage. Battery life has also been improved, coming in at up to 20 hours, which is even longer than that of the MacBook Air.
The only downside here is that the 13-inch Pro only sports two Thunderbolt 3 ports, but these are also USB-4 compatible. In addition to upgrading the camera, Apple even went so far as to improve the cooling system along with the built-in microphones.
Specs
- 13.3-inch Retina Display w/ 2560 x 1600 resolution
- Apple M1 Processor
- 8-core GPU
- 8GB / 16GB of RAM
- Up to 2TB of Storage
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
- Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports
- Touch ID
- 720p FaceTime HD camera
- 1.56cm x 30.41cm x 21.24cm
- 3.0 pounds
Price
Pricing for the 13-inch MacBook Pro starts at the same $1299 that we have become accustomed to. That will get you the M1 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. Bumping up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage will cost you $1499.
The new 13-inch MacBook Pro is available for pre-order today, with the laptop being released on November 17th. Although you might have to wait a bit longer if you want 16GB of RAM, as those are shipping the last week of the month and into December.
Mac Mini
The final major hardware announcement of Apple’s last event for the year came via the Mac Mini. This was another obvious update, as the developer kit for Apple Silicon was provided by a modified Apple A12X processor placed in a Mac Mini case.
You’ll get all of the same great features as the MacBook Pro and Air, all in a tiny build. Those with the new Pro Display XDR will rejoice as the Mac Mini can use the display. That includes being able to support the full 6K resolution, which is just absolutely incredible considering the size of the Mac Mini and the price.
Perhaps the only frustrating aspect of the Mac Mini is the lack of IO, as you are limited to just two USB-A ports, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports. Apple went ahead and kept the 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a nice touch, along with the Gigabit Ethernet Port. But it would have been nice to have a few extra ports on board.
Specs
- Apple M1 8-Core Processor
- 8-core GPU
- 8GB / 16GB of RAM
- Up to 2TB of Storage
- Gigabit Ethernet Port
- 3.5mm Headphone jack
- Two USB-A Ports
- HDMI 2.0 Port
- Two Thunderbolt 3 / USB 4 Ports
Price
Apple surprised everyone with the Mac Mini when it came to the price. The Mac Mini actually got a price reduction, coming in at just $699. This is $100 less expensive than the Intel-powered variant.
The new and improved Mac Mini is available for pre-order today, and will also be shipping on November 17th for the base model. Those who want to upgrade the RAM will have to wait a few extra weeks before getting your hands on it.
He has written for a variety of sites over the years, including iMore, Android Central, Phandroid, and a few others. Now, he spends his days working for an HVAC company, while moonlighting as a freelance writer at night.
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