In 2020, Apple announced that it would be transitioning its Mac lineup to its own custom-designed Apple Silicon chips. This was a major shift for Apple, which had been using Intel chips in its Macs for over a decade.
The first Apple Silicon Macs were released in late 2020, and they have been met with widespread acclaim. The chips offer significant performance improvements over Intel chips, and they also deliver better battery life.
So, are MacBooks with Intel chips still worth buying in 2023? The answer depends on your needs and budget.
If you need a powerful Mac that can handle demanding tasks like video editing or music production, then an Apple Silicon Mac is the best option. The M1 Pro and M1 Max chips are some of the most powerful mobile chips on the market, and they offer far better performance than Intel chips.
However, if you just need a Mac for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and word processing, then an Intel Mac may be a good option. Intel Macs are still available at a variety of price points, and you can often find them on sale.
Are MacBooks with Intel Chips Still Worth Buying in 2023?
Here are some of the pros and cons of buying an Intel Mac in 2023:
Pros:
- More affordable than Apple Silicon Macs
- Wider range of models available
- More software compatibility
Cons:
- Not as powerful as Apple Silicon Macs
- Battery life may not be as good
- Will not receive as many software updates in the future
Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy an Intel Mac in 2023 is up to you. If you need a powerful Mac for demanding tasks, then an Apple Silicon Mac is the best option. However, if you just need a Mac for basic tasks, then an Intel Mac may be a good option.
Things to consider when deciding whether to buy an Intel Mac in 2023:
- The apps you use: If you use professional apps that are not yet optimized for Apple Silicon, then you may want to consider an Intel Mac. However, most major apps have been updated to support Apple Silicon, and the number of apps that are compatible with Apple Silicon is growing all the time.
- Your budget: Intel Macs are generally more affordable than Apple Silicon Macs. If you are on a tight budget, then an Intel Mac may be a good option for you.
- Your needs: If you only need a Mac for basic tasks, then an Intel Mac may be a good option. However, if you need a powerful Mac for demanding tasks, then an Apple Silicon Mac is the best choice.
Gizchina News of the week
Pros of buying an Intel Mac in 2023:
- Affordability: Intel Macs are generally more affordable than Apple Silicon Macs. This is because Apple has been able to pass on the savings from designing and manufacturing its own chips to consumers.
- Wider range of models available: There are still a wider range of Intel Macs available than Apple Silicon Macs. This means that you have more options to choose from, depending on your needs and budget.
- More software compatibility: Intel Macs are compatible with a wider range of software than Apple Silicon Macs. This is because most software developers have been developing their software for Intel Macs for many years.
Cons of buying an Intel Mac in 2023:
- Not as powerful as Apple Silicon Macs: Intel Macs are not as powerful as Apple Silicon Macs. This is because Apple Silicon chips are designed specifically for Macs, while Intel chips are designed for a variety of devices.
- Battery life may not be as good: Intel Macs may not have as good battery life as Apple Silicon Macs. This is because Intel chips are less energy efficient than Apple Silicon chips.
- May not receive as many software updates in the future: Apple has announced that it will continue to support Intel Macs for several years, but it is likely that they will not receive as many software updates as Apple Silicon Macs. This is because Apple will be focusing its development resources on Apple Silicon Macs.
Overall, the decision of whether to buy an Intel Mac in 2023 is a personal one. If you need a powerful Mac for demanding tasks, then an Apple Silicon Mac is the best option. However, if you just need a Mac for basic tasks and you are on a tight budget, then an Intel Mac may be a good option.
The reasons why you should not buy an Intel MacBook in 2023:
Here are some of the reasons why you should not buy an Intel MacBook in 2023:
- Performance: Apple Silicon chips are significantly more powerful than Intel chips. The latest M2 Pro and M2 Max chips offer up to 100% faster CPU performance and up to 30% faster GPU performance than the previous generation of Intel chips.
- Battery life: Apple Silicon chips also offer better battery life than Intel chips. The M1 MacBook Air can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, while the Intel MacBook Air can only last up to 10 hours.
- Software support: Apple has committed to supporting Intel Macs for several years to come, but it is clear that the company is putting its focus on Apple Silicon. As a result, some apps may not be optimized for Intel Macs in the future.
- Value: Intel Macs are now significantly more expensive than Apple Silicon Macs.
Some more information about buying an Intel Mac in 2023:
- The future of Intel Macs: Apple has announced that it will continue to support Intel Macs for several years, but it is likely that they will not receive as many software updates as Apple Silicon Macs. This is because Apple will be focusing its development resources on Apple Silicon Macs.
- The resale value of Intel Macs: The resale value of Intel Macs is likely to decline over time, as more and more people switch to Apple Silicon Macs. This is something to keep in mind if you are planning to sell your Intel Mac in the future.
- The environmental impact of Intel Macs: Intel Macs use more energy than Apple Silicon Macs. This is because Intel chips are less energy efficient. If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your purchase, then you may want to consider an Apple Silicon Mac.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy an Intel Mac in 2023 is a personal one. There are pros and cons to both Intel Macs and Apple Silicons Macs. The best decision for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Here are some additional things to consider when deciding whether to buy an Intel Mac in 2023:
- Your future needs: If you think you may need a more powerful Mac in the future, then you may want to consider an Apple Silicon Mac now. This way, you will be able to take advantage of the latest features and performance improvements.
- Your willingness to wait: If you are willing to wait, then you may want to wait for the next generation of Apple Silicon Macs. These Macs are likely to be even more powerful and efficient than the current generation.
I hope this additional information helps you decide whether to buy an Intel Mac in 2023.
