Yet, with the new M1 architecture it may be possible for the MBP to use the 8GB more efficiently to achieve the same results a PC with 12GB or 16GB might. If having a huge memory stash is important to your workflow, stick with the Intel variations. Previous generations of Macbook Pro supported up to 64GB of memory. With a 16GB maximum for all of the new Mac seems a bit weak. The usability of Memory is very difficult to quantify at this time. Several sources show that the M1 is able to render RAW and 6k images on par with the previous generation 16″ MBP and Mac Pro. If you wouldn’t use an eGPU anyway, then, the upgrade is worth it. This means that you won’t be able to super-charge your graphics performance for rendering or gaming in your off-time. One issue with the M1 architecture is that it does not allow for connecting an external eGPU.

Even without engaging the fans, the new M1 GPU cores outperform the previous generation of Intel graphics. However, at this time the M1 architecture does not allow for the use of Apple’s eGPU to boost performance. Next, the GPU and RAM are crazy important if you are manipulating media for the application, designing new screens/icons/images/logos, or rendering video content.Īccording to Apple, the GPU outperforms many of the competitor PCs in graphics capabilities. The SSD that ships with the M1 Mac are not game-changers, but, would be a massive improvement to the QoL for a developer. If you assume that these findings scale (even if it’s only half as good) across the other models. The write speed increased from 1007MB/s to a 2190MB/s – that’s wild!Ĭonsidering that the SSD affects literally all parts of the development cycle, updating to the new M1 Mac may be a good choice if you currently use the Macbook Air. While developing for websites, mobile apps, or cross-platform apps, or interacting with files the number one priority is usually a lightning-fast SSD.Īccording to this post on, one user noted that the SSD on their new Macbook Air was 2X faster than the SSD in the previous generation 2019 Macbook Air. To cover a wide range of development tasks consider the full-stack developer working on a web app with a backend such as Java, Python, NodeJS, or Dart. Hardwareĭepending on the type of development you’re doing, your hardware priority may shift. Let’s take a look at some points to consider when trying to decide if you should upgrade to the new MBP 13″. Ultimately, the best computer for software development is the one that fits the specification for your projects and desired workflow. What does this mean for Software Developers and Engineers? Should you get one? On November 10th, 2020, Apple revealed details of the M1 chip and announced a few updated computers in the Mac line-up that are built on the new Apple Silicon.

Developing apps on macbook air