# Apple M series > series of ARM-based System on a Chip (SoC), designed by Apple Inc. **Wikidata**: [Q101791498](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q101791498) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_M_series) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/apple-m-series ## Summary The Apple M series is a family of ARM-based System on a Chip (SoC) designed by Apple Inc. for use in its Macintosh computers and iPad tablets. Debuting in 2020, the series integrates the functions of a central processing unit, graphics processing unit, and other system components onto a single chip manufactured by TSMC. ## Key Facts * **Classification:** The series is an instance of an ARM model series and a subclass of both ARM architecture and system on a chip (SoC). * **Designer & Manufacturer:** The chips are designed by Apple Inc. and manufactured by TSMC, which serves as the contract manufacturer. * **Launch Date:** The series began in 2020 with the release of the Apple M1 on November 17, 2020. * **Chip Generations:** The series includes the M1 (2020), M2 (2022), M3 (2023), and M4 classes. * **Variants:** The lineup includes standard chips as well as "Pro," "Max," and "Ultra" variants (e.g., M1 Pro, M2 Max, M1 Ultra). * **Platform Support:** The chips power devices including the MacBook Pro, Mac mini, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, and iPad Air. * **Architecture:** The series utilizes the ARM architecture instruction set. * **Related Software:** The ecosystem involves Rosetta 2, a dynamic binary translator developed by Apple for macOS. ## FAQs ### Q: What devices use the Apple M series chips? A: The Apple M series powers a range of Macintosh computers, including the MacBook Pro (starting 2020), Mac mini (starting 2020), and Mac Pro (starting 2023). It is also used in tablets such as the iPad Pro (starting 2021), iPad Air (starting 2022), and specific iPad models. ### Q: Who manufactures the Apple M series chips? A: While the chips are designed by Apple Inc., the physical manufacturing is handled by TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) as the contract manufacturer, a partnership that began in 2020. ### Q: When was the first Apple M series chip released? A: The first chip in the series, the Apple M1, was released on November 17, 2020. It was designed for Macintosh computers and iPad Pro tablets. ## Why It Matters The Apple M series represents a pivotal shift in computing architecture for Apple, marking the transition of Macintosh computers from third-party processors to Apple's custom silicon. By utilizing a System on a Chip (SoC) design based on ARM architecture—previously dominant in mobile devices—Apple has integrated the functions of multiple system components into a single efficient chip. This architectural change allows for high performance and power efficiency across the product lineup, from portable tablets like the iPad Air to professional workstations like the Mac Pro. The series has rapidly evolved, introducing distinct classes such as the "Pro," "Max," and "Ultra" chips to cater to varying performance needs, evidenced by the release of the M3 in late 2023 and M4 in 2024. ## Notable For * **Architecture Transition:** It marks the adoption of ARM-based SoCs for Apple's desktop and laptop computer lines. * **Integration:** It consolidates system functions (CPU, GPU, etc.) into a single integrated circuit. * **Rapid Iteration:** The series has seen frequent updates, moving from the M1 in 2020 to the M4 class by 2024. * **Hierarchical Scaling:** The lineup uniquely scales from standard consumer chips to high-performance "Ultra" variants for professional workflows. ## Body ### Design and Architecture The Apple M series is defined as a series of ARM-based System on a Chip (SoC). Unlike traditional computer architectures that utilize separate chips for the processor, graphics, and I/O, the M series integrates these functions onto a single integrated circuit. This design is a subclass of ARM architecture and was developed by Apple Inc. The manufacturing process is outsourced to TSMC, which has served as the contract manufacturer since the series' inception in 2020. ### Chip Generations and Timeline The knowledge base organizes the M series into distinct classes and generations: * **Apple M1 Class:** Introduced on November 17, 2020. This generation includes the standard **Apple M1**, the **Apple M1 Pro** (incepted October 18, 2021), the **Apple M1 Max** (incepted October 18, 2021), and the **Apple M1 Ultra**. * **Apple M2 Class:** Following the M1, this class includes the **Apple M2** (incepted July 1, 2022), **Apple M2 Pro**, **Apple M2 Max**, and **Apple M2 Ultra**. * **Apple M3 Class:** This generation includes the **Apple M3**, which was announced on November 7, 2023, and the **Apple M3 Max**. * **Apple M4 Class:** The most recent entries include the **Apple M4**, designed for iPads, and the **Apple M4 Pro**, which has an inception date of October 29, 2024. ### Device Integration The M series chips are utilized across Apple's hardware ecosystem. Specific timelines for platform integration include: * **2020:** MacBook Pro, Mac mini * **2021:** iPad Pro * **2022:** iPad Air * **2023:** Mac Pro The chips are also compatible with **Rosetta 2**, a dynamic binary translator developed by Apple to facilitate the transition of software to the new architecture.