The 4 Biggest Things To Know About The 2020 MacBook Air, MacBook Pro And Mac Mini

Topline

For the first time, Apple is making its own silicon chip, called the M1, to power its line of MacBook computers instead of relying on Intel. Below are four of the biggest announcements from Apple during its Tuesday “One More Thing” event:

Key Facts

Three new MacBooks will launch with the M1 chips: the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac Mini

All iOS apps will be able to run natively on the new MacBooks, meaning users will automatically be able to access the vast majority of iPhone apps on the Mac App Store—but it’s ultimately unclear just how many apps will be on the Mac App Store at launch because developers can opt out, according to 9to5 Mac.

Since the M1 uses less power than its predecessor, Apple says battery life on the 2020 MacBook Air can reach up to 18 hours while the 2020 MacBook Pro can get up to 20 hours, which is significantly more than previous models, though those claims haven’t been independently tested.

Apple isn’t known for lowering prices, but the Mac Mini will start at $699, which is $100 cheaper than the previous generation, while the company’s least expensive laptop, the MacBook Air, will stay at $999.

The 2020 MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro won’t need fans to cool the system down, which Apple says will make them practically silent. 

Key Background

This is the first time since 2005 Apple won’t be using Intel chips to power its MacBooks. Instead, the so-called M1 chip is based on ARM-architecture, which is used in iPhones and iPads. The move represents a seismic shift in how Apple approaches computing, making MacBooks more similar to iPhones and iPads.

Surprising Fact

Not only is “One More Thing” a nod to the fact that Apple has already held two major launch events this fall, it’s an homage to Steve Jobs’ famous catchphrase.

Tangent

UK-based ARM provides technology for other companies to license and make their own chips. It was acquired by SoftBank in 2012, but the Japanese fund sold it to NVIDIA in September.