Apple M1 Mac Review: Time to Recalibrate!

Compatibility

The transition to Apple Silicon introduces a new era for Mac users, but not without its challenges. Marques Brownlee highlights the app compatibility issues that arise during this shift, categorizing apps into optimized, non-optimized, and iOS/iPad apps 1. Optimized apps perform exceptionally well, offering an ideal experience, while non-optimized apps run through Rosetta emulation, maintaining functionality but not perfection. Marques notes, "The app compatibility situation, from my experience, is good enough that I would be comfortable using this today as my daily laptop."

The app compatibility situation, from my experience, is good enough that I would be comfortable using this today as my daily laptop.

--- Marques Brownlee

Despite some hiccups, such as with Pixelmator Pro, the overall performance remains impressive, even for non-optimized apps, which often see equivalent or slightly improved performance 1.

   

Recommendations

Marques provides recommendations for users considering the new M1 MacBook Pro, balancing its impressive performance with the transition's uncertainties. He suggests that everyday users and new creators can benefit from the device's capabilities, but advises professionals with established workflows to be patient 2. "I would also recommend not getting an M1 MacBook Pro specifically for work. The second it's available, you don't want to feel like you're beta testing," he warns.

I would also recommend not getting an M1 MacBook Pro specifically for work. The second it's available, you don't want to feel like you're beta testing.

--- Marques Brownlee

Marques emphasizes waiting for future high-end models, like the iMac Pro and Mac Pro, which will benefit from the initial beta testing phase and app optimizations 2.