Mac Processor Introduction, Examples, & Comparison

You heard that a processor matters a lot to a Mac computer and there are diverse types of processors. Well, in this post, we'll explain "What is the processor in a Mac computer?", list Mac processor types, make comparisons on different Mac processors, and tell you how to check the processor on your Mac. Let's move on to get the answers.

What is the Mac processor?

A processor is the main component of a computer. Its job is to interpret and execute program instructions, enabling the computer to perform a wide range of tasks like opening an application.

The key functions of a processor include instruction execution, data processing, memory management, operations' input and output coordination, etc.

In a modern Mac computer, the processor is an Apple-designed or Intel-based chip. Apple transitioned from Intel processors to the Apple silicon ones with the debut of the Apple M1 chip introduced in late 2020.

Mac processor list

Apple released its self-designed Apple silicon M1 chip in 2020. From then on, it developed and rolled out a series of its custom silicon processors and used them on their devices.

Here's the Mac processor list for recent Apple devices:

Before Apple transitioned to its silicon chips, it used the Intel processor chips on its Mac devices. Here's the list:

Go to tell others the processor types a Mac uses.

Mac processor comparison

Briefly speaking, the latest one of the Apple silicon processor family always outperforms the previous ones as it makes enhancements and improvements, and the Apple silicon chips are better for Mac models compared with Intel processors.

In the Mac processor vs Intel comparison, we discuss different aspects, including architecture, performance, efficiency, integration, and compatibility.

Apple silicon vs Intel in architecture

Apple silicon chips are based on ARM architecture that allows for the integration of multiple components (CPU, GPU, RAM) on a single chip.

Intel processors are based on x86 architecture which often consumes more power compared to ARM-based processors.

Apple silicon vs Intel in performance

Apple silicon chips support single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads. They show outperform in graphics and machine learning tasks, compared with Intel chips.

Apple silicon vs Intel in efficiency

Apple silicon processors have superior power efficiency and efficient thermal management while Intel processors generally consume more power than Apple Silicon, leading to shorter battery life in laptops.

Apple silicon vs Intel in integration

Apple M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips have better integration with macOS because both Mac models and pre-installed software are Apple-designed. Apple has successfully switched to its own designed silicon chips. Intel processors show less integration on modern Mac devices.                                  

Apple silicon vs Intel in compatibility

Intel processors have broader compatibility with a wide range of software, especially legacy applications, but newer Mac computers with an Apple Silicon chip use Rosetta 2 for compatibility with Intel-based applications.

How to check the processor on your Mac?

If you want to know which processor your Mac uses, simply click on the Apple icon at the upper left corner of your Mac and then select About This Mac. On the pop-up, you'll see details about your processor.

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