Apple Arm Chips WWDC: What Was Announced

At WWDC 2020, Apple announced the transition from Intel processors to its own ARM-based silicon for Macs, starting with the Apple M1 chip. This article explains what was announced, how the chips work, and what it means for Mac users.

Background: Why Apple Left Intel

For years, Macs relied on Intel processors, but Apple had already designed custom ARM-based chips for iPhones and iPads. Those chips delivered impressive performance per watt, and Apple saw an opportunity to unify its hardware and software ecosystem. By moving to its own silicon, Apple could control the entire stack—hardware, software, and chip design—leading to better performance, longer battery life, and tighter integration with iOS apps. The announcement at WWDC 2020 was the culmination of years of internal development and speculation.

The WWDC 2020 Announcement

During the keynote, Apple confirmed that the transition would take about two years, with the first Macs shipping by the end of 2020. The company also introduced a “Developer Transition Kit� (DTK) — a Mac mini with an A12Z chip (the same chip used in the iPad Pro) and 16GB of RAM, running a beta version of macOS Big Sur. This kit allowed developers to test and optimize their apps for the new architecture before the first consumer hardware arrived. Apple also announced that macOS Big Sur would be the last version to support Intel Macs, though support would continue for years after.

How Apple Silicon Works

Apple’s M1 chip is based on ARM architecture, which is fundamentally different from the x86 architecture used by Intel and AMD. ARM chips use a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) design, which simplifies instructions and allows for more efficient power usage. The M1 integrates the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, memory, and other components onto a single system-on-a-chip (SoC). This unified memory architecture allows the CPU and GPU to access the same pool of high-bandwidth memory, reducing latency and improving performance. Apple also uses a heterogeneous computing approach, with high-performance and high-efficiency cores that can be switched dynamically to balance speed and battery life.

Performance and Compatibility

Early benchmarks showed that the M1 chip delivered exceptional performance, especially in single-core tasks, while consuming far less power than comparable Intel chips. However, compatibility was a major concern. Apple addressed this with Rosetta 2, a translation layer that allows apps built for Intel Macs to run on Apple silicon. Rosetta 2 translates the entire app at install time, so the app runs natively, though with some performance overhead. Most popular apps were quickly updated to run natively, and Apple’s own apps were rebuilt for the new architecture. For users, the transition was mostly seamless, but some older or niche apps initially had issues.

How to Choose: M1 vs. Intel Macs

If you were buying a Mac during the transition, you had to weigh the pros and cons. Here are the key factors:

• Performance: M1 chips generally outperform Intel chips in everyday tasks and offer better battery life.
• Compatibility: Some professional software (e.g., certain plugins or legacy apps) was not yet compatible with Apple silicon.
• Future-proofing: Apple was clearly moving forward with its own chips, so buying an Intel Mac meant you might be left behind sooner.
• Price: M1 Macs were often priced similarly or lower than their Intel counterparts, making them a better value.

For most users, the M1 was the better choice, but those with specific legacy software needs had to stick with Intel until compatibility improved.

Common Problems and Solutions

Early adopters faced a few issues:

• App incompatibility: Some apps would not launch or crashed under Rosetta 2. Solution: Check the developer’s website for an updated version or use the “Get Infoâ€� option to force Rosetta 2 for that app.
• External display issues: Some users reported problems with external monitors not working correctly. Solution: Update macOS and ensure the monitor’s firmware is up to date.
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi drops: These were reported in early macOS Big Sur versions. Solution: Reset the SMC or NVRAM, and update to the latest macOS.

Most issues were resolved with software updates within a few months.

Comparison: Apple Silicon vs. Intel vs. AMD

Compared to Intel and AMD chips, Apple silicon excels in power efficiency and integrated performance. In synthetic benchmarks, the M1 matched or exceeded mid-range Intel and AMD desktop CPUs while using a fraction of the power. However, in heavy multi-threaded tasks like video rendering, high-end Intel and AMD chips still had an edge, especially in desktop machines with better cooling. For laptops, Apple silicon was a game-changer, offering desktop-class performance with fanless designs and all-day battery life. The gap has narrowed with subsequent chips like the M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M2 series, which added more cores and higher memory bandwidth.

Cost and Upgrade Path

The M1 Macs were priced competitively, with the MacBook Air starting at $999 and the Mac mini at $699. However, upgrading RAM or storage was expensive, and these components were soldered to the board, making user upgrades impossible. This was a shift from older Intel Macs where RAM and storage could sometimes be upgraded after purchase. Users had to choose their configuration carefully at the time of purchase. The trade-off was that the integrated design allowed for better performance and battery life, but it also meant that the entire machine would become obsolete when the chip could no longer keep up with software demands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Intel Mac still get updates?

Yes, Apple continued to support Intel Macs with macOS updates for several years after the transition. For example, macOS Sonoma (2023) was the last version to support most Intel Macs, but security updates continued for a while after. However, new features and optimizations were increasingly focused on Apple silicon.

Can I run Windows on an Apple silicon Mac?

Officially, Apple does not support Boot Camp on Apple silicon. However, you can run Windows 11 on ARM via virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or UTM, which emulates the x86 version of Windows. Performance is decent for basic tasks, but not all Windows apps work perfectly.

What is Rosetta 2 and do I need it?

Rosetta 2 is a translation layer that allows Intel-based apps to run on Apple silicon. It is built into macOS and works automatically in most cases. You don’t need to install it manually; if you try to run an Intel app, macOS prompts you to install Rosetta 2. It is useful for running older apps that haven’t been updated for Apple silicon.

Is Apple silicon faster than Intel?

In most real-world tasks, yes, especially in laptops. Apple silicon chips like the M1, M2, and M3 offer better single-core performance and power efficiency than comparable Intel chips. However, in heavily multi-threaded workloads like 3D rendering, high-end Intel and AMD desktop chips can still outperform Apple’s mainstream chips, though the gap is narrowing with the Pro and Max variants.

Can I upgrade the RAM or storage in an Apple silicon Mac?

No. The RAM and storage are integrated into the chip or soldered onto the motherboard, so they cannot be upgraded after purchase. You must choose your configuration at the time of buying. This is a significant difference from older Intel Macs, where some models allowed user upgrades.

What happened to the Developer Transition Kit?

Apple loaned the DTK (a Mac mini with an A12Z chip) to developers for $500, with the understanding that it had to be returned after the transition. In early 2021, Apple asked developers to return the DTK and offered a $200 credit toward the purchase of a new M1 Mac. The DTK was a temporary tool, not meant for general use.

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