Intel Counters Apple’s M1 with New NUC M15 Laptop Reference Design
As Apple transitions away from Intel chips with its groundbreaking M1 processors, Intel isn’t backing down from the laptop market. The chipmaker has unveiled its innovative NUC M15 Laptop Kit, a white-label solution designed to empower smaller manufacturers.
What Makes the NUC M15 Special?
Intel’s latest move isn’t about competing directly with consumer laptops, but rather providing a turnkey solution for OEMs:
- Reference design approach: Eliminates the costly R&D process for smaller manufacturers
- Two powerful configurations:
- Core i7 processor with 16GB RAM
- Core i5 processor with 8GB RAM
- 15.6-inch touchscreen: Optimized for Windows 10 productivity
Strategic Play in a Changing Market
This isn’t Intel’s first reference design - the company recently introduced a similar concept for gaming systems. However, the NUC M15 specifically targets the productivity space currently dominated by Apple’s M1-powered MacBooks.
As The Verge reports, the timing is particularly interesting given Apple’s transition to its own silicon. While Intel may be losing Apple as a customer, the company clearly aims to strengthen its position in the broader Windows laptop ecosystem.
Availability and Pricing
Final pricing and availability will depend on which manufacturers adopt the reference design and bring finished products to market. This flexible approach allows partners to:
- Customize certain elements
- Set their own price points
- Bring products to market faster than traditional development cycles allow
Intel’s move demonstrates how the company is adapting to a changing computing landscape, offering solutions that help partners compete in the post-M1 era.
