Apple’s newest processor boasts a large increase in compute power, yet the recent introduction of the M3 processor has many business leaders asking: do my employees need a device with this new technology? What’s the impact of increased memory in devices for my team relative to the cost?  

In this article, we break down the expected impact by role, focusing on finance, engineering, sales, and product/design, and consider the speed and productivity improvements, along with cost differences from the M1 and M2 chips.

Finance Team: Benefits and Productivity Improvement

Benefits:

• Data Processing: Financial professionals handle massive datasets, requiring fast and efficient processing. The M3 chip offers significant improvements in data processing speed, reducing wait times for financial models and reports.
• Security: Enhanced security features in the M3 processor ensure sensitive financial data is protected, which is a top priority for any finance department.

Productivity Improvement:

The M3 chip can process data up to 30% faster than the M2, which translates to considerable time savings over a year. For example, if a task takes 2 hours on an M2-powered device, it could take around 1 hour and 24 minutes on an M3 device. Over a year, this could save a financial analyst approximately 150 hours, assuming they perform such tasks weekly.

Cost Savings:

Assuming an average hourly rate of $75, saving 150 hours annually translates to $11,250 in saved labor costs per finance professional. This significantly offsets the higher cost of the M3 device.

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Engineering Team: Enhanced Performance for Complex Tasks

Benefits:

• Compiling Code: Engineers spend a lot of time compiling code, a process that benefits greatly from faster processors. The M3’s enhanced performance can cut compile times significantly, allowing engineers to iterate and test more quickly.
• Running Simulations: The M3’s improved computational power supports more complex simulations, making it ideal for fields like AI and machine learning.

Productivity Improvement:

If compiling a large project takes 30 minutes on an M2 chip, it might only take around 21 minutes on an M3. Over a year, with daily compiles, this could save an engineer roughly 45 hours.

Cost Savings:

At an average hourly rate of $80, saving 45 hours annually translates to $3,600 in saved labor costs per engineer. This helps to justify the investment in M3 devices.

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Sales: Efficiency in Mobility and Communication

Benefits:

• Battery Life: The M3 chip offers better energy efficiency, translating to longer battery life. Sales professionals who are often on the go will benefit from a device that lasts longer without needing a charge.
• Performance: Faster processing speeds mean sales software and CRM tools run more smoothly, enhancing productivity.
• Zoom Meeting Quality: Enhanced performance and reliability during virtual meetings can lead to better communication and presentation, crucial for closing deals.
• Speed of Research on Internet Sites: Faster browsing and data retrieval can improve the preparation and responsiveness of sales reps, providing a competitive edge in negotiations and client interactions.

Productivity Improvement:

Assuming a sales professional spends 10 minutes per day dealing with slow software on an M2 device, switching to an M3 could cut this time by a third, saving over 20 hours a year.

Cost Savings:

With the cost of a sales rep at $80/hr, the improved efficiency from using an M3 processor—such as modifying Google Slide presentations more quickly, better Zoom meeting quality, and faster internet research—can result in substantial savings. For example, if these improvements save 30 minutes of work per week, that translates to an annual savings of $2,080 per sales rep. Additionally, the enhanced productivity can contribute significantly to revenue growth through increased sales opportunities.

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Product/Design: Creativity Without Constraints

Benefits:

• Rendering: Designers often work with resource-intensive applications for 3D rendering and video editing. The M3 chip’s advanced graphics capabilities can reduce rendering times significantly.
• Multitasking: Improved performance supports better multitasking, allowing designers to run multiple design tools simultaneously without lag.

Productivity Improvement:

If rendering a complex 3D model takes 2 hours on an M2, it might take only 1.5 hours on an M3. Over a year, assuming weekly renders, this could save around 26 hours.

Cost Savings:

With an average hourly rate of $75, saving 26 hours annually translates to $1,950 in saved labor costs per designer. While this is just one example of a recurring task which will save time over the year, there are many more for product managers and designers that push the ROI far over the cost of the new device.

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