Apple M1 Pro
Apple M1 Pro: Power and Efficiency in 2025. Is It Worth Buying?
Since the release of the Apple M1 Pro processor in 2021, several years have passed, but even in 2025, this system on a chip (SoC) remains relevant for many users. With its balance of performance, energy efficiency, and integration with macOS, devices powered by M1 Pro continue to occupy a niche in the premium laptop market. Let's explore who this processor is suitable for today, how it compares to competitors, and what tasks it can handle.
Architecture and Process Technology: Why 5 nm and 10 Cores Are Still Relevant?
5 nm Process Technology
The M1 Pro is built on TSMC's 5-nanometer process. Even in 2025, this technology remains competitive, especially in the mobile device segment. The transistor density (33.7 billion) ensures high performance with moderate heat generation.
Core Structure
The processor includes 10 cores (8 Performance-cores and 2 Efficiency-cores) and 10 threads (without Hyper-Threading support).
- Performance-cores (P-cores): Operate at a base frequency of 2.0 GHz with a turbo boost up to 3.2 GHz. Designed for resource-intensive tasks: rendering, code compilation, 4K editing.
- Efficiency-cores (E-cores): Optimized for background processes (downloads, updates) with minimal energy consumption.
Integrated Graphics
The M1 Pro's iGPU contains 16 cores, allowing it to handle graphics at resolutions of up to 8K. The Unified Memory architecture enables instant access for both the CPU and GPU to shared memory (up to 32 GB), improving performance with heavy applications.
Power Consumption and 30W TDP: How Apple Saves Battery Life?
30W TDP is a modest figure for such performance. In comparison, similarly powerful processors like the Intel Core i7-13800H (45W) or AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS (35-54W) require more energy and active cooling.
Secrets of Efficiency:
- Task distribution between P- and E-cores: simple operations are performed on E-cores, reducing the load.
- OS-level optimization: macOS Ventura/Sonoma dynamically allocates resources, avoiding "idle" core states.
Even under peak loads (e.g., video rendering), the M1 Pro rarely exceeds 25-28W, prolonging battery life.
Performance: What Can M1 Pro Do in 2025?
Synthetic Tests
- Geekbench 6: 2355 (Single-Core), 11390 (Multi-Core).
For comparison: Intel Core i5-1340P (2023) scores around ~2200/9500, and the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U scores ~2100/10500.
Real-World Tasks
- Office Work: Simultaneous handling of dozens of tabs in Safari, documents in Pages, and Zoom — without lagging.
- Multimedia: Editing 4K video in Final Cut Pro with effects — rendering is 30% faster than the Intel Core i7-1260P.
- Gaming: In "light" games (Hades, Stardew Valley) — stable 60 FPS at medium settings. For AAA titles (Cyberpunk 2077), cloud gaming or an external GPU is required.
Turbo Mode
When under load, P-cores boost to 3.2 GHz but only for short bursts (15-20 seconds). This prevents overheating, but in sustained operations (e.g., video export), the frequency drops to 2.8-3.0 GHz.
Usage Scenarios: Who Is M1 Pro Suitable For?
- Designers and Videographers: Rendering in DaVinci Resolve, working with 3D models in Blender.
- Programmers: Code compilation in Xcode, running virtual machines.
- Students and Office Workers: Multitasking, using cloud services.
- Travelers: Long battery life (up to 18 hours of video playback).
Not Suitable For:
- Hardcore gamers (iGPU limitations).
- Engineers working with CAD applications on Windows (due to lack of native support).
Battery Life: How Does M1 Pro Provide 18 Hours of Operation?
Impact of Architecture on Battery Life
- E-cores consume up to 10 times less energy than P-cores. When watching Netflix or typing, only E-cores are active.
- Adaptive Clocking technology reduces CPU frequency during idle states.
Examples:
- Video playback (Safari, 50% brightness): 16-18 hours.
- Intensive work (Photoshop + 20 Chrome tabs): 6-8 hours.
Comparison with Competitors: M1 Pro vs AMD, Intel, Previous Generations
1. Apple M1 Pro (2021):
- Process technology: 5 nm
- TDP: 30W
- Geekbench 6 Multi: 11390
- Battery life (hours): 16-18
- Laptop price: $1599-$2499
2. AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS (2024):
- Process technology: 4 nm
- TDP: 35-54W
- Geekbench 6 Multi: 14200
- Battery life (hours): 8-10
- Laptop price: $1400-$2200
3. Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (2024):
- Process technology: Intel 4 (7 nm EUV)
- TDP: 28-64W
- Geekbench 6 Multi: 12500
- Battery life (hours): 10-12
- Laptop price: $1500-$2300
Conclusions:
- The M1 Pro lags behind the new Ryzen and Intel in multi-threaded tasks but excels in energy efficiency.
- For mobile tasks (working in cafes, flights), Apple remains unmatched.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
1. Record battery life.
2. Quiet operation (passive cooling in 70% of scenarios).
3. Integration with the Apple ecosystem (AirDrop, Sidecar).
4. Stable operation of macOS even four years post-release.
Drawbacks:
1. Limited upgrade options (memory and SSD are non-removable).
2. High price: MacBook Pro 14" with M1 Pro starts at $1599 (2025), whereas Windows equivalents start at $1200.
3. Software compatibility issues: some Windows applications are unavailable without emulation (CrossOver, Parallels).
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
- Type of Device: Ultrabook (MacBook Pro 14" or 16"). Do not choose M1 Pro for gaming or engineering tasks on Windows.
- What to Look For:
- RAM Size: At least 16 GB for video editing.
- SSD: 512 GB+ (due to high swap memory demands).
- Display: Mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR for HDR content.
Examples of 2025 Models:
- MacBook Pro 14" (M1 Pro, 16 GB/512 GB) — $1599.
- MacBook Pro 16" (M1 Pro, 32 GB/1 TB) — $2499.
Final Conclusion
Apple M1 Pro in 2025 is suitable for:
- Professionals who value battery life and smooth operation.
- macOS users who do not require the latest 10% of performance.
- Designers and editors working "in the field" without access to power outlets.
Key Benefits:
- Ability to forget about charging for an entire day.
- Sufficient power for 90% of professional tasks.
- Premium design and long-term support from Apple.
If you're looking for a reliable laptop "for years" and are willing to pay extra for the ecosystem — the M1 Pro is still an excellent choice. For gaming or specialized Windows applications, it's better to consider alternatives from AMD or Intel.