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What is Apple Silicon?
Apple Silicon is the family of chips Apple designs for its Mac, iPhone and iPad, with the processor and graphics on one chip.
- Category Hardware
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
Apple Silicon, explained simply
Apple Silicon means chips that Apple makes itself. They replaced the Intel chips Macs used before.
A key idea is shared memory. The CPU and GPU use the same pool of memory on one chip.
This helps with AI. A Mac can often run a fairly large model on its own because the GPU can use much of the shared memory.
On ITG Now, our free tool guides tell Mac users when a tool works on Apple Silicon.
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Questions people ask about Apple Silicon
Can I run AI models on Apple Silicon?
Yes. Many local AI tools support it, and the shared memory helps with larger models. Check each tool's guide.
Is Apple Silicon the same as an M-series chip?
Apple Silicon is the family name. The M-series chips are the Mac versions inside that family.
Do I need a special version of a tool for Apple Silicon?
Some tools offer a version made for it. Newer tools usually do, and the install steps tell you which to pick.