Apple’s new M2 processor brings even more CPU and GPU speed to the MacBook Air and the Pro continues to outpace the best low-power Windows laptops.
Apple just announced a new processor for Mac computers, the rumored M2 chip, and it will offer even better performance than the first generation M1 chip that introduced the world to Apple Silicon. Apple has established a cycle with the iPhone processor of getting significantly faster and more efficient every year. However, a computer chip presents different challenges, and it wasn’t a given that this would be the case with the Mac. Nevertheless, it looks like Apple managed to pull it off, and the M2 continues to lead PC chips.
In 2020, Apple introduced its first primary processor designed for the Mac computer. The M1 was based upon the same chip technology developed for the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and other Apple devices but enhanced to increase single-core performance to levels not seen before in any low-power chip. As a result, the M1 MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini rocked the Windows PC marketplace by not only presenting a challenge to desktops but also by outpacing the best PC laptops in CPU performance.
While it would be nearly impossible for Apple’s M2 to shock the industry as the M1 did, the latest Mac processor still brings a serious speed upgrade, particularly in terms of graphics power. Apple claims a 35 percent increase in GPU performance and an 18 percent faster CPU. This is quite similar to the sort of increases that were seen with Apple’s A-series chips, setting a furious upgrade pace that other manufacturers don’t seem to be able to match. This means the latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro will be worthy upgrades for owners of older MacBook laptops, and pricing is still quite reasonable.
Apple M2 Specifications
Apple continues to use a 5-nanometer manufacturing process. However, it was enhanced over the available technology when the M1 was produced. This, plus the larger die, means the M2 has 25 percent more transistors. With more room for specialization, the M2 has ProRes video processing acceleration at 4K and 8K resolution, which was once exclusive to the M1 Pro, Max and Ultra. Users of the new MacBook laptops should enjoy enhanced video editing capabilities.
The new systems also have an option for more onboard memory, up to 24-megabytes, which makes challenging workloads run faster and smoother. As usual, Apple has a great focus on processor efficiency, and the new M2 offers its performance gains without requiring any more power or generating any more heat than the M1 chip. Apple’s M2 is a very nice upgrade for the new MacBook laptops
