The Apple M1 processor dramatically increases the capabilities of the just-launched 13-inch MacBook Pro. Apple says the CPU runs up 2.8 times faster. And the laptop’s battery life stretches to 20 hours.
M1 MacBook Pro launch: Power and efficiency
The M1 chip includes an eight-core CPU consisting of four high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores. And a built-in eight-core GPU. Apple says it makes the newest MacBook Pro up to three times faster than the bestselling Windows laptop in its class.
Apple Silicon processors are more energy efficient that Intel chips. As Apple puts it, this new notebook has “the longest battery life ever on a Mac.” That means 17 hours of wireless web browsing, or up to 20 hours of video playback.
“Our most popular and affordable MacBook Pro dramatically changes your expectations of what a compact pro notebook can do,” said John Ternus, Apple VP of hardware engineering.
But this laptop holds onto a feature from its predecessors. It includes a cooling fan for the M1, something the new MacBook Air doesn’t need.
M1 processor isn’t the only hardware upgrade
Apple built more than a faster processor into the latest 13-inch macOS laptop. The M1 MacBook Pro features two Thunderbolt ports with USB 4 support, allowing it to connect to Apple’s Pro Display XDR in full 6K resolution.
Its studio-quality mics deliver clearer recordings and calls. And the newest MacBook Pro offers best-in-class security with the Secure Enclave in M1 and Touch ID.
The 13.3-inch screen packs a 2,560-by-1,600 native resolution at 227 pixels per inch, with 500 nits brightness. The laptop features a Magic Keyboard like other recent macOS devices, not a dreaded butterfly keyboard.
The MacBook Pro comes with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage. The base model starts at 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. That base model 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1 starts at $1,299 in Apple’s online store. You can order an M1 MacBook Pro now for delivery next week.
Screenshot: Apple
