Apple Silicon: The Evolution So Far
Since 2020, Apple’s M-Series chips have transformed the Mac. From the revolutionary M1 to the powerhouse M4, each generation has brought more performance, efficiency, and battery life. But which one is right for you in 2025? Let’s break it down.
Evolution Snapshot
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M1 (2020) – Apple’s first in-house Mac chip: silent performance, unified memory, and game-changing battery life. Perfect for students and everyday use.
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M2 – Solid improvements for multitasking, a stronger Neural Engine, and higher RAM ceilings. A nice step up, but not revolutionary.
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M3 – Built on a 3 nm process, it introduced hardware ray tracing, mesh shading, and major GPU improvements — up to 65% faster than M1.
Enter the M4 Chip Family
The M4 lineup represents Apple’s biggest leap yet:
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M4 (Base) – 10-core CPU, 2× GPU vs M1, AV1 decoding, new display engine. Perfect for entry-level MacBook Air users.
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M4 Pro – 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 75% more memory bandwidth vs M3 Pro. Ideal for creators and multitaskers.
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M4 Max – 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, up to 128 GB RAM. A true workstation chip for 3D rendering, 8K editing, and AI development.
Real-World Benchmarks
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Geekbench scores show M4 leading in both single-core and multi-core performance, rivaling desktop-class CPUs.
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Up to 50% CPU gains and 4× GPU boosts compared to M2.
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Battery life: A 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 ran 20+ hours in video loop tests.
Which Chip Is Right for You?
| User Type | Recommended Chip | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Students | M1 or M4 (Base) | Affordable, efficient, long-lasting battery |
| Creators | M2 or M4 Pro | Handles editing, graphics, and multitasking |
| Power Pros | M4 Pro or Max | Built for AI, 8K video, and heavy workloads |
| Kenya Context | M4 Base or Pro | Efficiency helps with power fluctuations |
Why the M4 Matters Now
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Older chips are being phased out — avoid buying outdated stock.
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Better value: The new MacBook Air M4 starts at $999 ($899 with education pricing) with 18-hour battery, Center Stage, and dual display support.
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Pro deals: Early discounts make the M4 MacBook Pro especially appealing for students, creatives, and professionals in Kenya.
Final Take
Forget comparing legacy models — the M4 family redefines what a MacBook can do. Whether you want all-day battery, advanced creative tools, or pro-grade performance, there’s an M4 chip designed to fit both your ambition and your budget.