Apple Ditch Intel Use Chips in Macs? Yes, Here’s How

Yes, Apple has ditched Intel processors in Macs, completing the transition to its own Apple silicon chips (M1, M2, M3, and later) by 2023. This means new Macs no longer use Intel CPUs, and Apple has moved the entire lineup to custom ARM-based chips that integrate the CPU, GPU, and memory on a single chip. Here’s what that change means for you, how it happened, and what to consider if you’re buying or upgrading.

Why Apple Left Intel

Apple used Intel processors in Macs from 2006 to 2020, but the company had long designed its own chips for iPhones and iPads. By 2020, Apple felt Intel’s roadmap couldn’t deliver the performance-per-watt gains Apple wanted for thinner, cooler, longer-lasting laptops. Apple silicon is based on the same ARM architecture used in iPhones, which allows tighter integration between hardware and software. The result is better battery life, instant wake from sleep, and lower heat output compared to Intel-based Macs of the same generation.

Apple announced the transition at WWDC in June 2020, starting with the M1 chip in late 2020. By June 2023, the last Intel Mac (the Mac Pro) was replaced with an Apple silicon version, officially ending the Intel era.

What Apple Silicon Chips Are in Macs Now

As of 2024, Apple offers several chip families across its Mac lineup:

• M1 – first generation, still in entry-level MacBook Air (discontinued) and older models
• M2 – second generation, used in MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13â€�, and Mac mini
• M2 Pro / M2 Max – for MacBook Pro 14â€�/16â€� and Mac Studio
• M3 – third generation, in MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 14â€�
• M3 Pro / M3 Max – for higher-end MacBook Pro models
• M3 Ultra – in Mac Studio and Mac Pro (as of 2025)

Each chip includes a CPU, GPU, Neural Engine (for machine learning), and unified memory on a single package. The “Pro,� “Max,� and “Ultra� variants have more CPU/GPU cores and support more memory.

How Apple Silicon Changes Performance and Battery Life

The biggest difference is efficiency. Apple silicon uses a hybrid CPU design with high-performance and high-efficiency cores, similar to smartphones. For example, the M3 chip in a MacBook Air can deliver similar CPU performance to a high-end Intel laptop while using a fraction of the power. In real-world terms, a MacBook Air with M3 can last up to 18 hours of video playback on a single charge, whereas most Intel laptops of similar size get 8–12 hours.

Graphics performance also improved dramatically. The integrated GPU in Apple silicon can outperform many discrete mobile GPUs from Intel’s era, especially in video editing and 3D rendering. Apps that are optimized for Apple silicon run natively, which means they are faster and more efficient than running Intel apps through Apple’s translation layer (Rosetta 2).

Can You Still Use Intel Macs?

Yes, Intel Macs still work, but they are no longer sold new by Apple. They continue to receive macOS updates, though Apple has said that macOS Sequoia (2024) is the last version to support most Intel Macs. This means security updates and new features will eventually stop for Intel models, likely within a few years. If you own an Intel Mac, it will still run your current software, but you won’t get future OS upgrades or full compatibility with new apps that require Apple silicon.

For software compatibility, most major apps (Adobe, Microsoft, Google, etc.) are now universal or Apple silicon-native. Older Intel-only apps run through Rosetta 2, which translates instructions on the fly, but Apple has said Rosetta 2 is a transitional tool and may not be available forever.

How to Choose: Intel vs. Apple Silicon Mac

If you’re buying a new Mac today, you can only get Apple silicon. If you’re considering a used or refurbished Intel Mac, here’s what to weigh:

• Budget: Used Intel Macs are cheaper, but you may lose software support soon.
• Software needs: Check if your essential apps support Apple silicon. Most do, but some legacy or niche apps may not.
• Battery life: Apple silicon Macs last significantly longer on battery.
• Performance: For heavy tasks like video editing or 3D, Apple silicon is faster and cooler.
• Future-proofing: Apple silicon will receive macOS updates for years longer than Intel.

If you’re on a tight budget and only need a basic web/email machine, a used Intel MacBook Air (2020 or earlier) can still work, but don’t expect it to run the latest macOS or demanding apps smoothly.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Apple silicon can’t run Windows. Actually, you can run Windows 11 on Apple silicon using virtualization software like Parallels or UTM, but only the ARM version of Windows. This works well for many apps, but some Windows software (especially games or drivers) may not run. You cannot install Windows natively via Boot Camp on Apple silicon, as Boot Camp is Intel-only.

Another issue: some users report that external GPU (eGPU) support is not available on Apple silicon. Apple dropped eGPU support when transitioning, so you cannot connect an external graphics card to boost gaming or rendering. This is a real limitation for some professionals.

Also, memory is unified and soldered on Apple silicon Macs, meaning you cannot upgrade RAM or storage later. Choose your configuration carefully at purchase time.

Comparing Apple Silicon to Intel Macs

Here’s a quick comparison of typical specs:

• CPU performance: M3 chip scores about 2x higher than the fastest Intel chip in the 2020 MacBook Pro in single-core tests.
• GPU performance: M3 integrated GPU outperforms the Radeon Pro 5600M in the 2019 Mac Pro in many benchmarks.
• Battery life: M2 MacBook Air gets up to 18 hours vs. about 10 hours for the last Intel MacBook Air.
• Heat and noise: Apple silicon Macs run cooler and quieter, often with no fan at all in the MacBook Air.

However, Intel Macs still have one advantage: they can run Windows natively via Boot Camp, which is useful for dual-boot setups. Also, some legacy software that relies on Intel-specific instructions won’t run on Apple silicon even with Rosetta.

Costs and Trade-In Value

Apple silicon Macs are priced similarly to the Intel models they replaced. For example, the MacBook Air started at $999 with M1, and the M3 version is also $999. Higher-end models like the MacBook Pro 16� start around $2,499. Used Intel Macs have dropped significantly in value; a 2019 MacBook Pro that sold for $2,399 new might fetch $500–700 on the used market today. Apple’s trade-in program still accepts Intel Macs, but values are low and decreasing each year.

Safety and Security Considerations

From a security standpoint, Apple silicon includes a dedicated Secure Enclave and hardware-verified boot, which is similar to iPhones. This makes it harder for malware to tamper with the system. However, because Intel Macs are reaching end-of-life for updates, they will become more vulnerable to security flaws over time. If you use an Intel Mac after support ends, avoid installing unknown software and consider using a firewall or antivirus. For Apple silicon, always install macOS updates promptly to get security patches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy an Intel Mac from Apple?

No. Apple stopped selling Intel Macs in 2023. You can only buy Apple silicon Macs from Apple’s official store. Used Intel Macs are available from third-party sellers, but they are not new.

Will my Intel Mac run the latest macOS?

macOS Sequoia (2024) is the last version to support most Intel Macs. Future versions (like macOS Tahoe in 2025) will only run on Apple silicon. So no, your Intel Mac won’t get the latest macOS after 2024.

Can I run Windows on an Apple silicon Mac?

Yes, but only the ARM version of Windows via virtualization (Parallels, UTM). You cannot use Boot Camp. Some Windows apps may not work, especially games or drivers that require x86.

Is Apple silicon faster than Intel?

In most tasks, yes. Apple silicon chips outperform Intel chips of the same generation in CPU and GPU benchmarks, while using less power. However, for very specific tasks like running x86 virtual machines, Intel may still be faster due to native support.

How long will Apple support Apple silicon Macs?

Apple typically provides macOS updates for about 7 years after a model’s release. The M1 Macs (2020) will likely receive updates until around 2027–2028. The M3 and later will be supported longer.

Should I upgrade from an Intel Mac to Apple silicon?

If your Intel Mac meets your needs and you don’t need the latest macOS, you can wait. But if you want better battery life, performance, and future software support, upgrading to an M2 or M3 Mac is worthwhile. Consider your budget and whether your software is compatible.

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