Apple sells the new models with M1 chip in parallel to the models with Intel CPU (except for the MacBook Air). Why is this so?
Because for professionals there still has to be a choice. Currently, many users still need the ability to virtualize software natively on Intel CPUs. For these, the Intel MacBook Pros and also the Intel Mac mini are still available for purchase. These models can also be equipped with up to 32 GB RAM. The 13-inch MacBook Pro Intel model also offers four Thunderbolt 3 ports – for which the devices are around $200 more expensive than the new ones. The M1 devices replace the entry level MacBook Pros.
And the new devices with M1 chip? Well, the MacBook Air has only advantages over the old model: battery life is better, the fan is not needed and the performance is much better. Apple hasn’t changed anything about the memory equipment either (8 GB standard, 16 GB at extra charge.
This looks a bit different with the M1 MacBook Pro and the M1 Mac mini: here the devices only come with 8 GB memory and a maximum of 16 GB is possible. Furthermore there are only two Thunderbolt 3 ports, but they also support the new USB 4.0 standard.
So currently you have the choice between more ports, more memory and higher price for the Intel models and less memory, fewer ports (with USB 4.0) but much better performance and longer battery life for the M1 models. If you are not an absolute professional, who needs the maximum amount of memory, our advice is: use a M1 model with 16 GB memory.
