Upcoming Architecture-Level Changes for HCL Volt Iris on Apple Silicon

Apple’s monumental shift from Intel chips to its in-house M-series (M1, M2, M3) has sparked a wave of excitement among Mac users. As Apple Silicon becomes increasingly popular, HCL Volt MX is committed to continuous innovation and delivering the best possible experience for our users. 

That’s why we’re excited to announce upcoming architecture-level changes to Volt Iris specifically designed to optimize performance on these powerful processors. 

This blog post will delve deeper into upcoming changes, the differences between Apple and Intel chips, their impact on Volt Iris, and the benefits of native M-series support. 

Let’s explore what the future holds for performance on Apple Silicon devices!

The Birth of M-Series: A Revolution in Chip Design

Apple M1: Launched with a splash in 2020, the Apple M1 chip marked a departure from the longstanding collaboration with Intel. Boasting an ARM-based architecture, the M1 chip integrated multiple components onto a single chip, including the CPU, GPU and unified memory. This consolidation resulted in unparalleled performance and power efficiency.

Apple M2: As the successor to the M1, the Apple M2 chip builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor. With enhanced processing capabilities and improvements in energy efficiency, the M2 aims to elevate the user experience on Mac devices further.

Apple M3: Featuring a powerful 8-core CPU, up to a 10-core GPU, and support for up to 24GB of unified memory, the new MacBook Air is up to 60% faster than the model with M1 and up to 13x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air. The redesigned GPU includes features like Dynamic Caching, Mesh Shading, and hardware-accelerated ray tracing. The Dynamic Caching technology allocates local memory in real-time.

The Intel Legacy: A Tried-and-True Partnership

Intel Chips in MacBooks: For years, Intel has been synonymous with Mac computing. The Intel chips, with their x86 architecture, powered a multitude of Mac devices, delivering dependable performance across various tasks. However, the shift towards Apple's M-Series chips signals a departure from this long-standing alliance. 

Performance Metrics: The Showdown Begins

Apple M-Series: The M-Series chips have raised the bar when it comes to performance. Benchmarks indicate that tasks ranging from everyday computing to resource-intensive processes like video editing and 3D rendering are handled with remarkable efficiency. The M2, with its advancements, promises an even smoother performance, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a Mac.

Intel Chips: Intel, with its legacy in computing, has delivered consistent performance over the years. However, as Apple charts its course with the M-Series, the Intel chips face the challenge of keeping pace with the efficiency and power of these new contenders.

Power Efficiency: A New Dawn in Battery Life

Apple M-Series: One of the standout features of M-Series chips is their power efficiency. Users have reported significantly extended battery life on M1-powered Macs. This not only enhances portability but also redefines user expectations for how long a MacBook can run on a single charge. The shift to Apple's architecture emphasizes not only power but also the efficient use of that power, translating to longer usage times between charges.

Intel Chips: While Intel chips have historically provided satisfactory battery life, the M-Series chips have set a new benchmark for what's possible.

Compatibility and Software Harmony

Apple M-Series: The transition to M-Series chips prompted concerns about software compatibility. However, Apple's introduction of Rosetta 2 and the Universal App framework has eased the migration, allowing for a relatively seamless experience for users.

Intel Chips: Intel chips, having been the backbone of Mac computing for years, continue to enjoy widespread software support. Users who rely on specific applications or workflows may find reassurance in the familiarity and compatibility of Intel-based Macs.

Graphics Capabilities: Integrated vs. Dedicated Showdown

Apple M-Series: The M-Series chips, with their integrated GPUs, have surprised many with their graphics capabilities. From graphic design to gaming, the M-Series has demonstrated impressive performance without the need for a dedicated graphics card.

Intel Chips: Historically, Mac users who required high-end graphics capabilities turned to models with dedicated GPUs powered by Intel.

Future Directions: Roadmaps and Expectations

Apple M-Series: The Apple M-Series chips represent Apple's vision for the future of Mac computing. The introduction of the M2 suggests a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. Users can anticipate even more powerful and efficient Mac devices in the years to come.

Intel Chips: Intel, a behemoth in the semiconductor industry, isn't bowing out. The company continues to invest in advancements in chip technology, and future Intel-based Macs may present a new chapter in the ongoing saga of innovation.

Conclusion: The Choice Ahead

As we navigate the differences between Apple's M-Series chips and Intel chips in Mac laptops, users face a pivotal decision. The M-Series promises cutting-edge performance and power efficiency, setting a new standard for Mac computing. However, for those deeply rooted in Intel-based workflows or reliant on specific applications, the familiarity and compatibility of Intel chips may provide a sense of security.

Ultimately, the choice between M-Series and Intel chips reflects individual needs and preferences. As Apple's M-Series continues to evolve, the tech landscape is sure to witness new heights in innovation, redefining the possibilities for Mac users worldwide. The power is now in the hands of users as they embark on a journey into the future of Mac computing.

What’s Next for Volt Iris?

• Currently, Volt Iris is supported on M1, M2, and M3 architecture through a layer called Rosetta provided by Apple.
• In the future, we'll be making architecture-level changes at the Iris and flare layers to provide direct support for M1, M2, and M3.
• The scope of these changes will be significant and will involve major regression.
• The architecture-level changes will support the final build on native M1 and M2 machines without the need for Rosetta.
• From an architectural standpoint, MacBooks with M1, M2, and M3 chips will only support .XCframeworks with arm64-bit architecture level, specifically NFI conversions.
• This will enhance the app’s performance and efficiency. 

The Volt MX team is actively working on these changes. We will continue to update the documentation with details on the scope, potential regressions, and best practices for adapting your applications. Additionally, we’ll provide updates and release details through the Volt MX portal.

Ready to unlock the potential of a unified data fabric for your applications? Try Volt MX for free, including a download of the Volt Iris IDE and Volt Foundry to manage all backend operations: https://www.hcl-software.com/volt-mx/trynow