What is Intel Mac? Intel vs. M1/M2/M3 Apple Silicon

macos tips
1

While browsing the web to learn more about using my Mac, I notice people mentioning Intel-based Macs and Apple Silicon Macs frequently. I wonder whether my Mac is Intel or Apple Silicon. Please help me understand the following questions:

  1. What is an Intel-based Mac?
  2. What is the difference between Mac Intel and Mac M1/M2/M3?
  3. How do I tell if my Mac is Intel or M1?
  4. Which Macs still use Intel?
  5. If my Mac is Intel, what generation is it?

Thx!

2

Intel-based Macs refer to a line of Macs that use Intel x86 processors, a series of processors manufactured by the Intel Corporation.

There are fifteen Intel processor families used in different Mac computers, with the more advanced models in newer devices. For example, the first generation Intel Core Solo was used in Mac minis produced in 2006, while the much more advanced Intel Core i9 is used in iMacs from 2019 and MacBook Pros from 2018.

The transition to Intel x86 processors happened in 2006, replacing the PowerPC and Motorola 68000 series processors used in previous Macs. This change granted Mac users the ability to boot into x86 operating systems like Windows through Boot Camp Assistant.

Nevertheless, in late 2020, Apple switched to its own processor: Apple Silicon. The first processor to be released was named Apple M1, with four versions: the basic M1, M1 Pro (more powerful version of the M1), M1 Max (larger version of M1 Pro), and M1 Ultra (a combination of two M1 Max). In 2022, the next generation chips were out and named as Apple M2, following the same variants as M1. The next year, M3 was debuted with its basic, Pro, and Max versions. The M4 updates are expected to be available around the middle of 2025.

3

It’s easy to tell if a Mac is using Intel or Apple Silicon chips. Just click on the Apple logo in the top-left menu bar and choose About This Mac. Then you can check the processor information.

If it’s an Intel-based Mac, you’ll see an item labeled Processor. For example, Processor 1.1 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i3. This means your Intel processor’s generation is Intel Core i3.

If it’s an Apple Silicon Mac, the label will be Chip, such as Chip Apple M1.

4

Apple discontinued the last Mac model with an Intel processor in 2023. Since then, all new Macs come with the Apple Silicon chip. So, Macs released during 2006 ~ 2020 are primarily Intel-based, except the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro and Mac mini introduced in 2020.

5

thanks, y’all! The information is very useful!