Mx: Apple processors

Are you already using a MacBook from 2020 or later? Then it is equipped with Apple’s Silicon chip named M1, M2, M3 or M4 (or pro/max versions).

What is this about? Is it that important? Oh yes!

Well before 2020, Apple had been communicating its intention to move away from Intel and produce its own processors for its Laptops division. At first few took it seriously, but it became reality in 2020. Most non-specialists saw it merely as an evolution to a new version, whereas it is much more than that.

To look back briefly at the history of Apple processors – which those under 20 cannot know – since 1996 Apple used its own PowerPC processors, an architecture born from the IBM/Motorola/Apple alliance.

This choice allowed Apple to be autonomous and highly innovative with its products, because by manufacturing their own processor, they had as much control over the hardware as over the development of the applications that went with it.

However, the problem lay in the incompatibility between PowerPC applications and the competing Intel/AMD market of the “others”. In the long run this was a brake on Apple’s evolution.

The CEO at the time – Steve Jobs – therefore chose to abandon PowerPC in favour of an agreement with Intel and their processors, which at that time were far more powerful and above all opened the doors to the Mac and PC compatibility we know to this day. Intel was therefore Apple’s supplier from 2006 to 2020, for 15 years.

At the time of the switch to Intel in 2006, of course, the problem was the incompatibility between PowerPC and Intel applications. To solve this problem and allow a smooth transition, Apple developed an emulator named Rosetta whose function on Intel Macs was to allow the use of existing and older PowerPC applications for a time. Just long enough for the transition and for developers to redevelop their apps for Intel on Mac. Once everything had migrated, the emulator was discontinued.

Yes indeed, all new Apple laptops and MacMini since 2020 are therefore now equipped with an Mx CPU. The new 24″ coloured iMacs also have them.

This change to an in-house processor or return to the strategy of old marks an important turning point for Apple and the entire competition.

Indeed, Apple was already making its own processors for iPhone and iPads, so they know how to do it. We are talking here about processors for mobile devices, running on battery and needing to produce a minimum of heat, a maximum of performance while not consuming too much… and that is where the idea for the M1 was born.

As a brief aside, the Intel/AMD architecture is generally more commonly known as x86 (CISC) for those in the know, and that of smartphones as ARM (RISC). Processors based on x86 are generally very powerful, but also very energy-hungry and require cooling. Those based on ARM, by contrast, better suited to battery-powered devices, consume less but are also less fast. They do however have the particularity of coupling with other cellular chips (Qualcomm in general).

To date, Apple has developed its new processor (CPU) on an ARM architecture, but fan-cooled on certain Apple models and therefore low in energy consumption while being very powerful and quiet. Apple claims up to 17 hours of use for a 2020 MacBook. According to tests, 14 hours at least are confirmed – that is enormous!

The architecture of Apple’s new CPU will bring many advantages, including probably more frequent updates to Apple products, better security, easier and more powerful cellular-CPU coupling in the future, and the ability to run iPhone/iPad apps natively from a MacBook! This is already the case…

So obviously… for those who have understood, another architecture change and therefore… incompatibility? What about the current applications I bought for my Intel Mac?

Apple thought of that… and they therefore resurrected their Rosetta emulator as Rosetta 2! An emulator for the new Mx chips that allows Intel apps to run by also simulating x86. But is it slower as a result? Because it is emulation… in general that should be slower in principle, except that the Mx already being more powerful than its competitors, it seems that emulated apps launch faster than natively on an Intel machine. Impressive.

Note that this emulator once again is only there for the transition phase. Long enough for all developers to move to Mx by developing “universal” or native apps and for the entire Apple range to also switch to Mx at the same time. The competition, including Microsoft which already has a catalogue of ARM applications, is also taking a close interest… watch out Intel! But let’s put things in perspective, because Intel was apparently only making 2–3 billion with Apple out of annual revenue of 75 billion.

The evolution towards M4 chips in 2025

In 2025, Apple continues to strengthen its independence from Intel with the introduction of the M4 chip. This new chip marks a significant step in the evolution of Apple products, offering increased performance and better energy efficiency.

This chip offers exceptional performance and battery life of up to 18 hours.

Tests carried out by Apple in January 2025 showed that 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air systems equipped with the M4 chip, with a 10-core CPU and an 8- or 10-core GPU, offer impressive performance. These systems are configured with 16 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD.

In 2025, Apple also introduced significant updates for the Mac mini with the integration of the M4 and M4 Pro chips. These new versions offer notable improvements in terms of performance and features, consolidating the Mac mini’s position as a popular choice for professional users and technology enthusiasts.

The Mac mini also benefited from a redesign in 2024, the first in 15 years, which gives it a more compact and elegant appearance, similar to a scaled-down version of the Mac Studio. This new design includes a full range of ports, including Ethernet, HDMI, USB-C and Thunderbolt, ensuring compatibility with a variety of peripherals and configurations.

Comparative Table of Apple Mx, Pro and Max Chips in 2025

Here is a comparative table of the different Apple Mx, Pro and Max chips, based on information available in 2025:

Conclusion

With the introduction of the M4 chip, Apple continues to move away from its dependence on Intel, offering more powerful products that are better optimised for its users. This transition marks a new era for Apple devices, consolidating their position in the laptop and mobile device market.