Apple Silicon vs Intel Macs: What Actually Changed

The big switch

For about 15 years, Macs ran on Intel processors, the same kind found in most Windows PCs. Then, starting in 2020, Apple began replacing Intel chips with its own custom processors, known as Apple Silicon (the M-series: M1, M2, and successors). This was a massive transition, and Apple has since moved its entire Mac lineup to its own chips. The switch wasn't cosmetic; it fundamentally changed the Mac's performance, efficiency, and capabilities. If you're buying or comparing Macs, understanding this shift is essential.

What Apple Silicon actually is

Apple Silicon chips use a different underlying architecture (ARM-based) than Intel's, and they're a 'system on a chip' (SoC), meaning the processor, graphics, memory, and other components are integrated together on one piece of silicon. This is the same fundamental approach Apple perfected in iPhones and iPads, now scaled up for Macs. The tight integration is a big reason these chips are so efficient and fast: components communicate with minimal delay and power waste, and Apple designs the hardware and macOS to work together closely.

Why it's so much better

The results of the switch were dramatic. Apple Silicon Macs deliver excellent performance while using far less power, which means much longer battery life (all-day and beyond on laptops) and cooler, quieter operation, many run without fans spinning up loudly, or without fans at all. Tasks like video editing, compiling code, and everyday multitasking became notably faster and smoother. The combination of strong performance and remarkable efficiency is the headline benefit, and it's why the Apple Silicon Macs were so well received compared to the Intel models they replaced.

App compatibility and Rosetta

A natural worry with any chip change: do apps still work? Apple handled this well. Most apps have been updated to run natively on Apple Silicon (fast and efficient). For older apps built only for Intel, Apple includes a translation technology called Rosetta 2 that lets them run on the new chips, usually seamlessly, so compatibility has been strong. Additionally, Apple Silicon Macs can run iPhone and iPad apps in some cases. A few very specialized or outdated programs may have issues, but for the vast majority of users, compatibility is a non-issue today.

The memory difference to understand

One important buying consideration: Apple Silicon uses 'unified memory,' where the RAM is integrated into the chip and shared efficiently between the processor and graphics. This is fast and efficient, but it also means memory is fixed at purchase, you cannot upgrade RAM later as you sometimes could on older Macs. So you must choose enough memory up front for your needs and how long you plan to keep the Mac. The same applies to storage on many models. Buy a bit more headroom than you think you need, since you can't add it afterward.

What this means for buying

The practical takeaway is simple: buy an Apple Silicon Mac, not an old Intel one. Apple Silicon Macs are dramatically better in performance and battery life, and Apple's software support increasingly focuses on them, while Intel Macs are being left behind for new features and will lose support sooner. If you're shopping used or refurbished, prioritize an M-series model over any Intel Mac, even a cheaper Intel machine is a poor long-term buy now. Choose the chip tier and memory that fit your workload, and you'll have a Mac that stays capable for years.

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See also: Laptop specs explained: what actually matters, ARM vs x86: the chip architectures explained.

Sources

• Apple silicon - Wikipedia

Published date reflects the original event date (2026-06-25). This article is original Skillo editorial written from the sources above; facts were verified in September 2026.