7 devices running the best Apple M1 chip

However, it can also lead to confusion, especially if you don't know which device is best for you. From the high-end iPad to the portable MacBook Pro, there are countless choices when it comes to the best Apple M1 devices.

Here are the best Apple M1 devices available to buy.

MacBook Pro Apple M1 Pro 14 inch

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The 14-inch Apple M1 Pro MacBook Pro offers the best balance of price and performance. You have the choice between an 8-core CPU and a 14-core GPU, or a more powerful 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU. This device is best suited for beginner professionals who have to work with a tight budget.

The higher-spec model is also a good choice for those who prioritize portability over power. Both models also come with a Liquid Retina XDR display, giving you a steady 1,000 nits of brightness and an incredible 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. This 10-bit display also offers one billion colors, giving you the most accurate color rendering.

Apple Mac Studio M1 Ultra

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If price isn't an issue and you want the most powerful M1 machine, the Apple Mac Studio M1 Ultra is the #1 choice. The more cores you have, the more tasks your PC can handle. This is especially useful for editing and rendering software, whether it's videos, photos, or 3D models. You can choose between a 48 or 64 core GPU, along with 64 or 128GB of RAM.

Since the Apple Mac Studio M1 Ultra is designed for software-intensive, you'll need as many ports as possible. Fortunately, there are 6 Thunderbolt 4 ports available that, in addition to HDMI, allow you to connect a number of displays of any size.

MacBook Air Apple M1 13 inch

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"Budget" and "Apple" don't usually go hand-in-hand, but if you're looking for the easiest route to the M1 chip, consider picking up the 13-inch Apple M1 MacBook Air. It's light, thin, powerful, and quite effective.

However, if you plan to work with the most demanding applications, the Apple M1 MacBook Air 13-inch 512GB is a slightly better choice with its 8-core GPU. However, the 256GB model's 7-core GPU barely lags behind, making it the ultimate choice if your budget is really tight. Both offer impressive performance, with no thermal throttling, though no fans. The 13-inch MacBook Air Apple M1 is also powerful enough to support external displays at 6K @ 60Hz.

iPad Pro Apple M1 11 inch

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For professionals pursuing power, portability, and customizability, the Apple M1 iPad Pro is the perfect match. With an 11-inch display and 2388x1668px resolution, you still have plenty of room to be productive while maintaining sharp, colorful images.

In fact, the 11-inch Apple M1 iPad Pro is compatible with many external Apple accessories, such as the Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, and Smart Folio. In addition, the built-in ultra-wide camera uses Center Stage, helping you to have perfect video chats with family, friends and colleagues. You can even do it on the go if you choose a model with portability.

Apple Mac Studio M1 Max

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Sure, the M1 Max can't match the M1 Ultra, but it's still a powerful machine. With the Apple Mac Studio M1 Max, you get access to 32GB of RAM, a 24-core or 32-core GPU, and the M1 Max, which is itself a 10-core CPU. It's the perfect workstation if you offer video or photo editing services on a per-contract basis.

However, you will need a lot of storage space for those files. The Apple Mac Studio M1 Max comes in a number of options, from 512GB to a massive 8TB SSD. If that's not enough, you can connect external storage devices using any of the four Thunderbolt 4 ports on the back.

MacBook Pro Apple M1 Pro 16 inch

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The 16-inch Apple M1 Pro MacBook Pro is equipped with a 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display that provides ultra-high definition range with a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. It also features ProMotion display technology, allowing you to enjoy refresh rates of up to 120Hz when needed.

Although not as powerful as the M1 Max, it still offers a powerful 10-core CPU and a powerful 16-core GPU through the M1 Pro chip. You also get an incredible 100Wh Li-Po battery that provides up to 14 hours of wireless Internet use on a single charge.

For users looking for one of the best M1 devices on the market, the 16-inch Apple M1 Pro MacBook Pro is a real beast. You'll be able to enjoy the large display, decent power, and ample battery life when working away from the mains.

MacBook Pro Apple M1 Max 16 inch

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On the other hand, if you need that maximum power on a large screen, then the 16-inch Apple M1 Max MacBook Pro is the right choice. A 10-core CPU and 32-core GPU power this laptop. The 16-inch Apple M1 Max MacBook Pro also has 32GB of RAM, expandable up to 64GB, making it an incredibly versatile Mac device.

Despite all that power, it's still efficient enough to sustain up to 14 hours of continuous wireless web use. It also comes with a 140W MagSafe 3 charger, allowing you to quickly charge your device up to 50% in just 30 minutes. The 16-inch Apple M1 Max MacBook Pro has a 6-speaker sound system, a 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, and much more.

Micah Soto

Update 17 August 2023