Apple Silicon FAQs

Yes, before Apple was using Intel CPUs for their Macs, Apple collaborated with Motorola and IBM on the PowerPC CPU line. While we don’t have much details on the PowerPC chips themselves, we have information on some of the Macs that used the PowerPC CPUs in a post Millennium retrospective.

Apple’s M chips are extremely power efficient. Please read our full blog post about how many watts Apple Silicon consume during idle and peak usage.

Binned vs. Non-Binned Apple Silicon Chips

On Apple Silicon chips (like the M1 through M4, and future M5), “binned” and “non-binned” refer to variants of the same processor. During manufacturing, chips are tested, and those with slightly underperforming cores have them disabled—resulting in binned versions.

Binned Chips

Binned chips are processors that did not fully meet Apple’s highest performance or efficiency standards during manufacturing.

• Some CPU or GPU cores may be disabled to ensure stability and reduce power consumption.
• These chips are typically sold at a lower price and are often found in base models of MacBooks, iPads, or Mac Minis.
• The performance reduction is usually modest but helps Apple maximize manufacturing yields and provide affordable entry-level options.

Non-Binned Chips

Non-binned chips are fully functional with all cores active. These chips pass all performance and efficiency thresholds set by Apple.

• They offer the best possible performance in terms of CPU, GPU, and power efficiency.
• Usually found in higher-end models or offered as an upgrade option.

Examples of Binning in Apple Chips

M2 Pro Chip
Binned Version: 10-core CPU (6 performance + 4 efficiency cores), 16-core GPU
Non-Binned Version: 12-core CPU (8 performance + 4 efficiency cores), 19-core GPU

M3 Pro Chip
Binned Version: 11-core CPU, 14-core GPU
Non-Binned Version: 12-core CPU, 18-core GPU

M4 Base Chip

Binned Versions:
Variant 1: 9-core CPU (3 performance + 6 efficiency cores), 10-core GPU
Variant 2: 10-core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores), 8-core GPU
Variant 3: 8-core CPU (4 performance + 4 efficiency cores), 8-core GPU

Non-Binned Version (Full Configuration): 10-core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores), 10-core GPU

Full M4 Base Variants post →

Why Does Apple Bin Chips?

• Yield Optimization: Not all chips produced in fabrication are flawless. Rather than discarding slightly underperforming units, Apple disables specific cores and sells them as binned variants.
• Market Segmentation: It allows Apple to offer a range of products at different price points, catering to various user needs and budgets.

Performance Impact

The performance difference between binned and non-binned chips typically ranges from 10–15%. While that might not seem substantial, it can result in noticeable time savings during prolonged workloads — potentially adding up to minutes or even hours over the life of the machine.

If performance is a high priority for you, the non-binned version is the better choice. However, for most users, the binned version offers excellent value and more than sufficient performance.

A System on Chip (SoC) design, as seen in Apple’s M-series processors, integrates multiple computing components—including the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, unified memory, storage controllers, and other specialized accelerators—onto a single chip. This approach enhances performance, power efficiency, and thermal management by reducing data transfer latency and optimizing workflows between different components. Unlike traditional architectures that rely on separate chips for processing and graphics, Apple’s M-series SoCs leverage a unified memory architecture (UMA), allowing all processing units to access the same high-bandwidth, low-latency memory pool. This results in seamless multitasking, improved AI processing, and exceptional power efficiency, making it ideal for MacBooks, iMacs, and iPads.

Sources:

1. https://macpaw.com/reviews/difference-m1-m2-chip
2. https://www.macrumors.com/guide/apple-silicon-buyers-guide/
3. https://www.techinsights.com/blog/two-new-apple-socs-two-market-events-apple-a14-and-m1
4. https://www.trustedreviews.com/versus/apple-a16-bionic-vs-apple-m1-4265201
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_silicon
6. https://www.reddit.com/r/ipad/comments/myphom/what_is_the_difference_between_an_a_series_chip/
7. https://www.macworld.com/article/556384/apple-processors-pro-max-ultra-iphone-ipad-mac-benchmarks.html
8. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253152468

 

Apple released the M3 Ultra instead of the M4 Ultra for several reasons, according to speculation and information from Apple:

1. UltraFusion technology: The M4 Max chip reportedly lacks the UltraFusion connector needed to combine two chips into an Ultra variant¹. This technological limitation prevented Apple from creating an M4 Ultra.

2. Deliberate strategy: Apple told journalists that not every chip generation will include an “Ultra” tier². This suggests a planned approach to chip releases rather than a technical limitation.

3. Production challenges: Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple is reluctant to develop an M4 Ultra chip from scratch due to production challenges, costs, and the relatively small sales volume of its desktop computers¹.

4. Hybrid approach: The M3 Ultra is described as a cross between M3 and M4 technologies, featuring Thunderbolt 5 support and up to 512GB of unified memory, which are improvements over the M3 Max³⁴.

5. Performance considerations: Despite being based on the M3 architecture, the M3 Ultra still outperforms the M4 Max in certain areas, particularly in GPU-intensive tasks³.

This approach allows Apple to offer a high-performance option while potentially aligning future Ultra chip releases with specific product launches, such as an updated Mac Pro¹.

Citations:

1. MacRumors: M4 Ultra Chip Is Unlikely
2. MacRumors: Apple Explains Lack of M4 Ultra
3. TechRadar: Mac Studio M3 Ultra Review
4. Apple Newsroom: M3 Ultra Announcement
5. Macworld: M3 Ultra Deep Dive
6. BGR: Inside the M3 Ultra

The base M4 Mac mini delivers substantial performance improvements over earlier models, with Apple claiming up to 1.5× faster CPU performance compared to the M2. In Geekbench tests, it achieved a multi-core score of 21,935, surpassing all other Macs except those equipped with the M4 Max.

However, when compared to previous “Pro” level chips like the M1 Pro, the performance varies depending on the workload. In CPU-intensive tasks, the M4 often outperforms the M1 Pro, but for GPU-intensive applications, the M1 Pro’s higher GPU core count may provide better performance.  Therefore, while the M4 Mac mini offers impressive advancements, its suitability as an upgrade depends on the specific apps and workflow performed by different users.

The M4 chip is built on TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process, making it more power-efficient and faster than previous Apple Silicon chips. It introduces an upgraded 10-core CPU with improved performance and efficiency cores, along with a Neural Engine capable of 38 trillion operations per second, enhancing AI tasks. Unlike previous chips, the M4 features a new GPU architecture with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, improving graphics performance. Additionally, it is the first ARMv9.2-A-based Apple Silicon, bringing better security, memory optimizations, and future-proofing over its predecessors.

Introduced in May 2024, the M4 is built using TSMC’s second-generation 3-nanometer process and contains 28 billion transistors. It features a 10-core CPU configuration with up to four performance cores and six efficiency cores, along with a 10-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine capable of performing up to 38 trillion operations per second.

The M4 chip debuted in the seventh-generation iPad Pro and has since been integrated into various Apple devices, including the iMac, Mac Mini, and MacBook Pro. More recently, Apple updated the MacBook Air lineup to include the M4 chip, offering enhanced performance and efficiency. ​

In October 2024, Apple expanded the M4 lineup with the introduction of the M4 Pro and M4 Max variants. The M4 Pro offers up to a 14-core CPU and a 20-core GPU, while the M4 Max features up to a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU, catering to users requiring higher performance for demanding tasks.

Apple announced the Mac Studio M4 Max on March 5, 2025. The new Mac Studio featuring the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips was unveiled during a press release on this date. Apple introduced it as “the most powerful Mac ever,” with pre-orders starting immediately and availability beginning on March 12, 2025

Overall, the M4 series continues Apple’s trend of integrating high-performance, energy-efficient SoCs across its product range, enhancing both computing power and battery life in its devices.​

1. Power Efficiency
Better Performance per Watt
Intel’s chips, especially in MacBooks, struggled with power efficiency.
Apple Silicon (starting with M1) delivers better performance with significantly lower power consumption, leading to:
Longer battery life (e.g., MacBook Air M1 doubled battery life compared to Intel models).
Less heat generation, reducing the need for fans.

2. Performance Gains
Unified Memory Architecture (UMA)
Apple Silicon integrates CPU, GPU, and RAM on a single chip, allowing for faster memory access and reducing bottlenecks.
High Single-Core and Multi-Core Speeds
M-series chips outperform Intel counterparts in both single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks.
Faster GPU Performance
Apple’s integrated GPUs rival dedicated graphics in Intel-based Macs, making them ideal for creative professionals.

3. Control Over Hardware and Software
Vertical Integration
Apple designs both hardware (M-series chips) and software (macOS), optimizing performance and efficiency.
Unlike Intel chips, which require Apple to adapt macOS around them, Apple can now design macOS directly for Apple Silicon.

4. Intel’s Slow Innovation & Delays
Intel struggled with chip advancements and suffered from delays in process node improvements (stuck on 14nm for years while Apple moved to 5nm and beyond).
Apple wanted faster improvements and greater flexibility.

5. Fanless MacBooks
Better Thermal Design
Apple Silicon runs so efficiently that MacBook Air M1/M2/M3 don’t need fans, making them completely silent.
Even MacBook Pros with fans run much quieter than Intel versions.

6. iOS/iPadOS App Compatibility
Apple Silicon Macs can run iPhone and iPad apps natively, bridging the gap between macOS and iOS.
This wouldn’t be possible on Intel-based Macs.

7. Future Scalability & Customization
Apple can now develop chips tailored for specific Mac models, from MacBook Air to Mac Pro, without relying on Intel’s roadmap.

Downsides of the Transition
Intel-based Mac apps require Rosetta 2 for translation (though Apple did an excellent job making it seamless).

Boot Camp (Windows on Mac) is no longer supported, since Windows ARM support is limited.
Conclusion

Apple moved away from Intel to increase performance, battery life, and efficiency, while also gaining full control over its chip development. The success of the M1, M2, M3, and now M4 chips has shown that this was the right move, with massive gains over Intel-based Macs.

Upgrading from an Intel-based Mac to an M-series Mac brings massive improvements in performance, battery life, and efficiency. Apple Silicon chips (M1, M2, M3, M4) are faster, run cooler, and use less power, meaning you get longer battery life (often double or more compared to Intel models). Macs with M-series chips also run silently because they produce less heat, reducing the need for loud fans.

Apps launch quicker, multitasking is smoother, and macOS is optimized specifically for Apple Silicon, ensuring better responsiveness and future software support.

Additionally, M-series Macs can run some iPhone and iPad apps (if the developers have enabled it), they also have stronger security features like the Secure Enclave, and include a powerful Neural Engine for AI-related tasks.

Apple has also stopped updating macOS for older Intel Macs, meaning you may miss out on future macOS updates and features. If you want a future-proof Mac with better performance, efficiency, and software longevity, upgrading to Apple Silicon is a smart move.

Apple’s M-series chips are custom-designed system on chip (SOC) that power Macs and iPads, replacing Intel chips.

Starting with M1 in 2020, Apple Silicon offers faster performance, longer battery life, and better efficiency than previous Intel-based Macs. These chips integrate the CPU, GPU, and memory into a single system-on-a-chip (SoC), making everything run smoother and more power-efficient.

Each new generation—M1, M2, M3, and now M4—brings improvements in speed, graphics, and AI capabilities, while keeping Macs cool and quiet. The M-series also enables iPhone and iPad apps to run on Macs, creating a more seamless Apple ecosystem. Advanced security features like the Secure Enclave protect personal data, and the Neural Engine boosts AI-related tasks.

For everyday users, this means MacBooks last longer on a single charge, run apps faster, and don’t overheat easily. Whether you’re browsing the web, editing videos, or gaming, Apple Silicon provides a snappy, energy-efficient experience—all while future-proofing Macs for years to come.

With Apple’s new baseline of 16 GBytes of RAM on their M4 or newer devices, 80% of users can comfortably run dozens of browser tabs and a single primary app such as Photoshop, Lightroom, or Figma without experiencing any performance issues. Most people won’t need to get upgraded RAM except…

If you’re a “power user” running Photoshop and Figma at the same time, plus have 30-40 tabs open, upgrading your RAM to 24 to 32 GBytes RAM will keep your system from having to use swap space on the SSDs.

If you’re running local LLMs and have Final Cut Pro or Premiere plus After Effects, Figma, and Lightroom all running at the same time, 48 to 64 GBytes of RAM should smoothly support your workflow.

The most extreme of users will need 128 Gbytes RAM, all the way up to 512 Gbytes RAM on the Mac Studio M3 Ultra for those who run the largest LLMs.

Unlike Apple’s new RAM baseline of 16 GBytes of RAM, Apple’s unfortunately still skimping on hard disk space with just 256 GBytes of SSD on their non-Pro models (Airs and Minis).

Most Mac mini owners can get an external, fast (and well ventilated) SSD and move their Home directory onto it for around $100. But if you’re on an Air and don’t upgrade to a 512 GByte SSD, you’ll most likely end up having to carry around an external portable SSD.

To “future-proof” your Mac, we recommend a minimum of 512 GBytes of SSD space. Furthermore, upgrading your SSD both unlocks a 2nd channel hard disk I/O channel, speeding up launching apps and opening and saving files. In most cases, upgrading your SSD will also provide you with a full (non-binned) SoC that is approximately 10-15% faster than the binned SoC.

Yes, on some of them but Apple does not officially support and they may void your warranty if you do it as you have to open up your Mac and take it apart.

It’s definitely not possible on the MacBooks as the “SSDs” are soldered on but on the Mac Studio and Mac mini M4 models there are 3rd parties that offer NAND modules. We’ve setup a (mini) SSD upgrade guide post. You can also check out some videos on YouTube if you’re interested in trying it.