One of Apple’s most significant technological advancements is the transition from Intel processors to Apple Silicon. This transition represents a new era in computing, offering users a host of benefits that make the switch not only tempting, but essential. Now that the MacBook Air has joined the Apple M3 Chip family, and our old friend Intel is showing its age, that time is drawing near. But what makes the switch worth it?
Speed and Performance
Any MacBook with the M3 Chip is a powerhouse when it comes to speed and performance. Apple’s custom-designed M3-series chips bring a level of optimization that leave Intel processors in the dust. With a focus on efficiency and performance, M3 MacBooks outshine their Intel counterparts in a variety of tasks, whether in everyday computing or resource-intensive applications.
Gaming Performance
The MacBook Air with M3 helps you level up fast with performance up to 1.6x faster compared to a MacBook Air with Intel Core i7 processor thanks to the next-generation GPU architecture.
With Dynamic Caching and hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, games are more capable of providing realistic shadows and reflections than ever.
Video Editing Performance
With up to 13x faster video editing performance compared to its Intel Core i7 cousin, the MacBook Air with M3 is giving *real* creative flow.
The unified architecture of Apple Silicon allows for seamless communication between the processor, GPU, and other components. This integration results in a smoother user experience, faster app launches, and improved multitasking capabilities.
Battery and Power
By balancing energy efficiency with performance for a variety of workflows, MacBooks with M3 Chips make all-day battery life a reality. As you can imagine, this is particularly advantageous for on-the-go users.
Whether you’re a student attending classes, a business professional in meetings, or a traveler working remotely, the extended battery life ensures that your MacBook remains a reliable companion throughout the day.
With up to 6 additional hours of battery life, go longer between charges compared to Intel-powered MacBooks, and transition from all-day workflows or classes to movies and games without a hitch (or outlet).
Security
Apple is known for their best in-class security, and the M3 MacBook only enhances this mission. The M3-series chips include Apple’s dedicated Secure Enclave, Secure Boot, and Automatic Encryption.
What is Apple Secure Enclave?
The Secure Enclave is a hardware-based feature responsible for generating and storing Touch ID and other cryptographic operations that are in place to safeguard your MacBook against potential threats, which enhances the overall protection of your data.
Keeping this area of the system isolated from the main processor and adding an extra layer of security ensures that your sensitive information remains secure and protected from unauthorized access and data breaches.
What is Apple Secure Boot?
Apple Secure Boot is the technology used in Macs that verifies the integrity of the operating system at startup, or “boot”. If this check fails, macOS won’t boot.
Automatic Encryption
Your iCloud data is automatically encrypted at the file-level. The encryption keys are secured in Apple data centers in the event you need help with data recovery.
By upgrading to an M3 MacBook, you not only benefit from improved performance but also enjoy enhanced security features that provide peace of mind in an increasingly interconnected world.
What’s so special about Apple Silicon?
Apple Silicon represents freedom from the reliance on third-party processors, allowing greater control over the entire hardware and software ecosystem. By integrating an Apple-designed chip tailor-made to meet the specific needs of macOS, unparalleled synergy between hardware and software was born — and thus the even more mind-blowingly fast and efficient Apple computers we see today.
When do I trade-in my Mac?
To get the most bang for your buck, Mac trade-ins typically take place between 18 and 24 months.
Pro tip: Macs protected with AppleCare+ trade-in at an even higher value!
If you’re sitting on a Mac that’s older than 2 years, that’s okay too. Macs hold their value over time impressively well, but for the older models that are starting to show their age (*ahem* intel processors) we recommend trading those in sooner rather than later, while they still hold some value.
To find out how much your Mac is worth, as well as additional information on how to prepare for the trade-in process and how it works, visit our trade-in page.
How do I know what kind of computer I have?
Apple makes it easy to find the model, year, size, memory, serial number and processor/chip! Simply follow this 2-step process:
- Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen
- Choose “About This Mac”
Data Migration
We’ll help you pick the right computer AND get your data securely migrated over to your fancy new Mac. We mean it when we say we’re you’re one-stop Apple shop.
Does Express Tech offer financing?
Yes! Express Tech offers 6-month deferred interest through Synchrony Financial* so you can make your Apple Silicon dreams a reality.
Take a bite out of the M3 Apple
Upgrading from an Intel MacBook to an M3 MacBook is a no-brainer that brings 3 major benefits:
- Enhanced speed and performance
- Extended battery life
- Advanced security features
The Apple Silicon revolution signifies a commitment to innovation and a seamless integration of hardware and software, setting the M3 MacBook apart as a cutting-edge device in the world of computing. If you’re looking to future-proof your MacBook experience, the M3 MacBook is undoubtedly the way forward.
*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. See store for details.
