Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has taken another step to remove Intel chips from its computers, announcing that it will use its own processors in its new MacBook Pro laptop computers.
Apple showed off its microchips at an event called "Unleashed" that also included its latest audio products. The new components, called the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, are 70% faster than its M1 predecessors, Apple said.
The Silicon Valley company unveiled the chips as it launched its redesigned MacBook Pro, which adds larger screens, MagSafe charging and better resolution.
With the new processors, Apple is targeting the high-end chips that Intel has provided for the MacBook Pro and other top-end computers for about 15 years. Last year, Apple started transitioning its low-end Mac computers to its own M1 Apple Silicon chip. The new chips, however, are a bolder stroke, aiming at far outclassing Intel’s highest-performing products.
The new chips are at the center of the most significant update to the MacBook Pro since 2016. The new model comes in 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch screen sizes, and the displays use miniLED panels that allows for improved color reproduction.
The new models have an updated, boxier look and lack the controversial Touch Bar, the touch-screen strip introduced with the 2016 redesign. Apple replaced the Touch Bar with a new circular fingerprint scanner and larger physical function keys.
The displays also include ProMotion, a feature that allows the screen refresh rate to reach higher levels for a smoother overall experience. Apple added a similar feature to the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max in September.
And Apple is adding a 1080 progressive-scan video-chat camera, improving a component that users of earlier MacBook Pros have found subpar. The microphones and speakers were upgraded as well.
Apple stock rose as much as 1.4% to $146.80 U.S. after the laptop launch event. They have gained 9.2% this year through the end of last week.
