Perform Data Recovery on Apple Silicon M1 Mac

Theo Lucia

May 20, 2022 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions

The processor is the most crucial element of the system that determines all the speed and performance of your device. Apple had been using Intel as its processor in Mac devices, but that has changed now. In 2020, Apple introduced its M1 chip with the ARM-based structure to be used in upcoming Macs.
If your MacBook contains an M1 chip and you want to know more about it, head over to the article below. Here you will find all the required information regarding Apple's M1 chip and also about recovering lost data from it. Let’s begin!

Part 1: Apple’s M1 Chip and M1 Chip Data Recovery

Let us first have some basic idea about what Apple’s M1 chip is and what it does before heading over to data recovery.

What is M1 Chip?

Apple first launched its M1 chip in 2020 for Mac. Currently, the M1 chip is being used in MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Mini, M1 iMac, and iPad Pro. Previously, Macs featured Intel processors which used multiple chips. The M1 chip is a combined form of all the chips onto a single SoC.

These different components that are integrated on a single unit include CPU, GPU, RAM, SSD controller, neural engine, and more. The integration of these chips on M1 is what basically makes it more efficient. It has enabled the devices to boost up their performance significantly.
Here is a detailed look at the different components of the M1 chip:

CPU

The M1 chip includes an 8-cored CPU. Out of these 8, four are high-performance cores, and the other half is high-efficiency. They can all work on their own or together when needed for high-performance tasks. When less intensive tasks are being performed, the high-efficiency cores operate to conserve battery, cutting the power usage up to one-tenth, giving the Mac an impressive 20-hour playback time.

GPU

The GPU in the M1 chip is also an 8-cored integration. It can run around 25,000 threads simultaneously with 2.6 teraflops of raw power output. Apple claims that it has the fastest integrated graphics in a PC. The M1 Mac's performance surpasses the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti and even the Radeon RX 560, earning an OpenCL score of 19305.

Neural Engine

The built-in neural engine in the M1 chip is based on a 16-core design which has significantly improved the ability of memory learning tasks. The neural engine is capable of performing 11 trillion operations per second, making it a 15x fast learner as compared to the previous systems. Operations like voice recognition, video analysis, and image processing are now far more efficient.

Battery Life

The M1 Macs feature an outstanding and impressive battery life. The MacBook Pro has a recorded battery life of 20 hours, which is almost double as compared to previous generations.

Performance

The 8-core processor in the M1 chip has increased the CPU performance by 3.5x compared to the previously used Intel chips. GPU performance is now 6x faster, and learning capabilities have increased up to 15x. This is almost double the performance of the contrasting chips currently being launched in the market and is all achieved at low power consumption.

How M1 Makes MacBook Data Recovery Difficult?

The new M1 chip in Mac offers advanced data encryption with increased levels of security. While this is a good thing from a security perspective, it has made data recovery difficult. When your files are lost due to an accident, they might not be salvaged that easily.

The Secure Enclave that the M1 chip features offer hardware-level isolation and memory encryption. An AES encryption hardware has made it even harder to access data files. The T2 chip incorporated into the M1 provides line-speed encryption. This means that in the event of data loss, you will have to restore your files from an external backup.

Part 2: How to Recover Lost Data from Apple M1 Mac?

Let’s now know how to recover lost data from a Mac that has the M1 circuit. Below are some effective methods that can do the task.

Method 1: Using Apple M1 Chip Data Recovery Software

The easiest way by which you can recover lost data from your device is using third-party software. Wondershare Recoverit offers excellent service in this regard. You can now recover data from any lost drive or location without risking its integrity.

Recoverit can now retrieve any kind of lost files from your device, including images, videos, documents, emails, and whatnot. A wide range of file formats is supported by the software with a high recovery rate. Being trustworthy and convenient are some of the main reasons for its fame. The 9.6 version of Recoverit now offers support to recover data from M1 chips.

Using the steps mentioned below, you can recover lost files on your M1 Mac

Step 1: Select Location

After launching Recoverit on your device, select a location on the main interface from where you wish to retrieve data. Then click on "Start."

Step 2: Scan the Location
Recoverit will begin to scan the selected location for lost files automatically. Large-sized videos can be recovered using the "Advanced Video Recovery" feature.

Step 3: Recover Data
Once all the lost files are displayed on the screen, select the ones you wish to retrieve and click on the “Recover” button to get them back.

Method 2: Recover Lost Data from Time Machine Backup

If you have previously backed up your data to Time Machine, you can recover it from there using the steps mentioned below:

• Power on your Mac and hold the Power button until you see the startup options.
• Click on "Options," then choose "Continue."
• Select the option “Restore from Time Machine” on the Mac.

• You can browse and select the items that you wish to save. You can press the space bar or double click to preview the file.
• Select the desired files and click on "Restore."

Method 3: Restore Lost Files on M1 Mac Devices from Trash

If you have accidentally deleted files from your Mac, you can restore them from Trash. Here is how:

• In the Dock, select the Trash icon.
• Inspect the Finder pop-up window and identify the files that you want to restore.
• You can now both drag them out from the Trash to Desktop or right-click and select "Put Back."

Method 4: Restore Encrypted Data on Mac Computer with The M1 Chip from iCloud Backup

If you have an iCloud backup for your data, you can restore it by following the given steps.

• Open your browser, go to iCloud.com, and log in with your ID.
• Find and click on "Account Settings."

• Now go to "Advanced" and select "Restore Files."

• From the list, select the files that you want to retrieve and click on "Restore" and then "Done."

Method 5: Recover Data from the Failed M1 Mac by Apple store

Usually, when a problem arises on your Mac, you contact Apple Support for the solution. In some cases, you might have to visit the Apple Store to find guidance. But data recovery is not a feature that Apple Support covers.

To solve this, Apple now has a special tool that allows authorized personals to recover data in case of some catastrophic failure. A new connector on the logic board can now assist users in giving back their old data. The new customer migration data tool enables repair staff to connect your Mac's logic board to another Mac, transferring data. This is, however, not necessarily successful for data recovery.

The Bottom Line

Apple's M1 chip has been the hottest talk of the town for some while now, and for good reasons. The efficiency and ability that it has shown in its functions are revolutionary. With a high-performance speed, increased efficiency, and an outstanding battery life, M1's wonders can certainly not be denied.

The increased security features have undoubtedly made data recovery from M1 Macs difficult. So, always have a backup ready in the event of a disaster, so your data can be saved. Go through the above-mentioned methods to see if your lost data can be retrieved. Make sure to use Recoverit as it is the best data recovery software to suit your requirements.