The release of the M3 processor family signalled a significant step change in the performance of Apple’s computing family. And while the M3 is fast, is that enough of a reason to upgrade? The answer depends on where you’re coming from.
You already have an M1 or M2 Mac
Apple released its first M1-based systems in November 2020. So, it’s no surprise that the first major update came three years later. That’s a fairly typical upgrade cycle for corporate purchasers. And Australian tax laws, until recently, allowed significant purchases, such as computers, to be depreciated over a three year period.
While it may make financial sense to upgrade from an M1 or M2 system now, from a performance perspective, there’s little incentive.
In a recent post by Mark Ellis at Mac O’Clock, it was noted that the performance different ce between M1 and M3 systems performing real world tasks, and not automated benchmarks, was quite minor. For example, Ellis reported that for the rendering of 10 minutes of 4K video footage, an M1 Max MacBook Pro was just eight seconds slower than a M3 Max MacBook Pro, with both machines taking just over a minute each.
If you’re chasing a massive performance boost and you already have an M1 or M2 Mac then the M3 won’t bring that.
My advice: if have an M1 or M2 Mac, the case for an upgrade if you’re looking for a performance boost is probably not there.
You’re still running an Intel Mac
The case for upgrading to the M3 if you’re still running an Intel-based Mac is a completely different kettle of fish. Eliis’ testing shows that an M3 iMac is about three times faster than a 2017 5K iMac. And while that’s not the last of the Intel iMacs (they came in 2020, a few months before the M1 systems arrived) it’s indicative of a substantial performance leap ahead.
As well as the performance boost, it’s important to note Apple continues to develop new features in its software that rely on the M-series Apple Silicon. At some point, Apple will stop releasing macOS for Intel systems. And not long after that, they will likely stop offering security updates and bug fixes.
Apple has made a complete break from Intel. The last Intel Mac, the Mac Pro, was given the M2 Max treatment in January 2023. The rising is on the wall for older Mac systems. When Apple switched to Intel from the PowerPC platform, it took three years for operating system support to stop.
That gives Intel Macs until 2026 if Apple follows the same rhythm.
My advice: if you have an Intel Mac it’s time to start thinking about an upgrade. It doesn’t have to be today or even this year. But it’s time to plan.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.