The memory in the M1 is what is described as a ‘unified memory architecture’ (UMA) that allows the CPU, GPU, and other cores to exchange information between one another, and with unified memory, the CPU and GPU can access memory simultaneously rather than copying data between one area and another. With the M1, this is also part of the SoC. Let’s dig into the last point, the on-chip memory.

Unified memory - allows the CPU, GPU, and other cores to quickly exchange information. Secure Enclave - encryption, authentication, and security. Video encoder/decoder - handles the power-efficient conversion of video files and formats.

These include voice recognition and camera processing. Neural processing unit (NPU) - used in high-end smartphones to accelerate machine learning (A.I.) tasks. Image processing unit (ISP) - can be used to speed up common tasks done by image processing applications.ĭigital signal processor (DSP) - handles more mathematically intensive functions than a CPU. Graphics processing unit (GPU) - handles graphics-related tasks, such as visualizing an app’s user interface and 2D/3D gaming.

Runs most of the code of the operating system and your apps. Erik explains…Ĭentral processing unit (CPU) - the “brains” of the SoC. What that means is, that unlike computers to date, where the components that make up a computer are individual parts mounted on a motherboard, an SoC, like the Apple M1, brings together an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU (7-core in some MacBook Air models), unified memory, SSD controller, image signal processor, Secure Enclave, on one chip.Īnother reason the Apple Silicon chips perform so well is that as well as being together on one chip, the M1 is made up of a series of specialised tools. The M1 isn’t just a processor chip, its what is called a System-on-a-Chip or SoC for short.

Emacs mac m1