Apple M2 Chip: Key Takeaways You Need to Know (macOS Sonoma Compatible)

The Apple M1 chip has been a powerful processor until now. However, Apple has announced to take the breakthrough performance and capabilities of the M1 chip even further with the Apple M2 chip.

Apple has created hype by unveiling the specs and performance of its M2 chip. MacBook lovers are excited about the release. The M2 chip claims to provide better power-efficient performance to the new redesigned MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. This article will highlight the key takeaways you need to know about the Apple M2 chip.

Part 1. What is an M2 Chip?

M2 chip is the first second-generation processor designed by Apple to take the performance of the M1 processor one step ahead. The M2 chip will begin the next generation of Apple Silicon designed especially for Macintosh Notebooks.

It was unveiled at Apple's WWDC 2022 on June 6. Moreover, the M2 chip is built using the second-generation 5-nanometer architecture.

Part 2. Key Updates and Improvements of M2 Chip

“M2 starts the second generation of M-series chips and goes beyond the remarkable features of M1,” said Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies.

Apple claims better performance and high efficiency of the M2 chip as compared to the M1 chip. Let's have a look at its key updates and improvements.

Performance and Specs

● CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine

The M2 chip claims 18 percent faster CPU performance, a 35% more powerful GPU, and a 40 percent faster Neural Engine as compared to the M1 chip. The new CPU features of M2 have been significantly enhanced for greater performance. Furthermore, the CPU in M2 provides double performance at the same power level when compared with the 10-core PC laptop chip.

Talking about its GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), the M2 chip features GPU with up to 10-cores. Also, it delivers 2.3x faster performance.

● Memory and Bandwidth

Apple claims that the M2 chip consists of 20 billion transistors which are 25% more than M1. The purpose of adding more transistors is to improve features across the chip, adding delivery of 100GB/s of unified memory bandwidth.

With this, the Apple M2 chip delivers 50% more bandwidth and up to 24GB of unified memory. 24GB of fast unified memory helps M2 handle even more complex workloads.

● Battery Life

The M2 chip offers an enhanced battery life due to its higher performance per watt. Even if you play graphic-intensive games, watch videos, or edit massive raw images, it can run cool and quietly for longer hours as compared to its prior models.

Next-generation Custom Technologies

M2 chip enables new features and technologies which include:

• Best-in-class security
• Higher-bandwidth video decoder, supporting 8K H.264 and HEVC video
• New image signal processor (ISP) with better noise reduction technology
• The processing capability of the Neural Engine is up to 15.8 trillion operations per second which is over 40 percent more than M1
• Magic keyboard

These are the expected improvements and key updates in the M2 chip that Apple claims.

Part 3. When will the Apple M2 chip be released?

The Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch with M2 Chip (8-core CPU and 10-core GPU) was expected to release on the 24th of June. Its specifications include enhanced power and better battery life than its predecessor. The M2 chip will level up the performance game over the previous versions released by Apple.

Talking about Apple MacBook Air with M2 which is expected to release in July 2022. The exact date for its release is not yet confirmed by them. We don’t know whether it will be released at the start of July, mid, or the end.

However, it is available for pre-order on Amazon. If you are interested in buying it, you can order it for pre-booking.

Part 4. Price of MacBook with M2 Chip

The price of a MacBook with an M2 chip varies for both MacBooks. The price of The Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch with M2 Chip (8-core CPU and 10-core GPU) is $1299 for 256GB and $1499 for 512GB. You can order it in different colors.

The price for Apple MacBook Pro is expected to start from $1199. However, the new price is not confirmed by Apple yet.

Part 5. What’s the Difference between M1 and M2 Chip?

There are significant differences between M1 and M2 chips Apple ensures some promising improvements and key updates with the announcement of the M2 chips. The differences are notable, and understanding them can help you make a better buying decision. So, let’s have a look at the key differences between Apple M1 and M2 chips.

Key differences:

● Pricing

The pricing of the M2 chip is expected to start from $1199 which is higher when compared with M1’s price. The pricing of M1 chips starts from $999, and if one wants to go a little cheaper, he can go for a Mac mini with M1 (Pricing starts from $699).

The M2 chip's price may be higher than the M1, but it is also offering more great features and performance than the M1 chip.

● CPU

Apple claims that the M2 chip delivers enhanced performance as it is made with second-generation 5-nm architecture. It can deliver up to 18% better performance than the M1 chip.

● GPU

M1 and M2 both use an 8-core GPU to handle graphic-intensive tasks. However, Apple claims 25% better performance of the M2 GPU than the M1 chip.

● Neural Engine

Both M1 and M2 consist of a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple claims "The Neural Engine can process up to 15.8 trillion operations per second over 40 percent more than M1".

● Transistors

There is a significant difference between M1 and M2 for the number of transistors. M2 consists of 20 billion transistors, whereas M1 consists of 16 billion transistors. That is 25% more than the M1 chip.

● Memory Bandwidth

M1 offers 68GB/s of memory bandwidth, whereas M2 offers 100GB/s which is higher than M1.

Part 6. 3 Must-Have Apps for MacBook to Improve Your Productivity

It is necessary to have such tools that can enhance your productivity around the MacBook. While there are many tools available, it can sometimes become difficult for users to choose the right one. Therefore, we have made a list of 3 must-have apps for MacBook to improve your productivity.

1. UPDF - PDF Reader and Editor

Number 1 in the list of must-have apps is UPDF. It is a PDF Reader and Editor that lets you handle PDF files effortlessly. With UPDF, you can view, read, edit, annotate, and organize PDF pages the way you desire.

Moreover, it consists of several page layout options which help you view PDF pages according to your device screen. One of the things that make UPDF irresistible is its unique and delightful user interface design. Its easy-to-use UI makes it easy to use even for those who have very little knowledge of PDF editors.

Benefits of UPDF

• Delightful user interface
• Can save the file without a watermark
• Compatible with Mac and Windows
• Fast speed
• Advanced features like OCR, creating electronic signatures, sign PDF, etc.
• Secure to use

Make use of the great features of UPDF to enhance productivity around PDF files on MacBook.

2. Notion

The notion is an all-in-one productivity solution for all your needs. It offers personal plan for individual use. You can use it as a writing repository, task management software, a workout calendar, a database, and so much more.

Also, you can use Notion for your project management tasks because of the flexibility it offers. It is a user-friendly app and can work across different devices such as Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.

Mac users can manage their projects and access docs with Notion. You can customize Notion to work the way you do and according to your needs.

3. Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 for Mac is an amazing app that offers different Office apps for Mac users. With Microsoft 365, you can make use of the most recent versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and OneDrive. It combines the familiarity of Office and Mac features for ease of use.

You can be more productive using its built-in automated designs and automated tools. Also, it helps you collaborate with others in real-time by working online and offline. With its cloud storage, you can work anywhere you want.

Conclusion

Apple M2 chip improves working efficiency, with UPDF installed can save your time even better. It is an all-in-one PDF related problems solver, and extreme user friendly requires no learning curve at all. Download it today and give it a try!