The story unfolds in clear steps, and so do the progressions. Mac reaches a milestone today as it embraces the era of Apple silicon with a new 40th birthday moment. It has reshaped the user experience across the entire product line, delivering notable gains in speed, longer battery life, and refreshed designs.
Seen from a distance, the Apple silicon transition has transformed the Mac lineup with outstanding performance and energy efficiency. Whether the device is a laptop or a desktop, users notice the responsiveness evolving alongside the hardware and software integration.
Battery life stands out as another area that has improved dramatically over time. There is no longer a scramble for a charger during meetings or presentations. A single charge now sustains long sessions, up to 22 hours for the 16-inch MacBook Pro, or about 18 hours on the 13-inch MacBook Air, Apple’s thinnest and lightest notebook.
More functionality
One of the most valued traits is the seamless integration with other Apple devices. This ecosystem streamlines workflows from basic tasks to advanced routines, with contacts, photos, calendars, notes, and files synced across Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Mac. When an iPhone or iPad sits nearby, Handoff lets a user continue work from one device to another. For instance, a message started on an iPhone can be completed on a Mac, or a report begun on an iMac can be picked up on an iPad for instant editing.
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With Continuity Camera, the iPhone can serve as a secondary camera for all video calls on Mac, offering a fresh angle or view.
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With Universal Clipboard, images, videos, or text can be copied to an iPhone or iPad and pasted into another nearby Mac app.
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Use iPad and Mac with a single trackpad and keyboard via Universal Control to maximize efficiency.
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With Instant Hotspot, the Mac can remotely activate the iPhone’s Personal Hotspot when both devices are close to each other.
Performance improvements and more
Mac users across all skill levels can accomplish tasks with remarkable speed. From recording a podcast to editing a feature film, projects can be conceived, designed, and completed in innovative ways that were not possible before.
The Apple silicon also contributes to quiet operation during demanding workloads. The fanless design of the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models keeps acoustics unobtrusive while unlocking substantial potential for intense tasks.