Just for kicks, I transcoded the file on my 2012 Mac mini too, which took 9:40. Not only were the M1 Macs significantly faster ... which make both computers a terrific value. When Big Sur debuted last ...

The M1 Mac mini first operating system was macOS 11 Big Sur, which introduced a new design to the Mac software and proper optimization for the new processor. macOS Big Sur also brought the Control ...

Here’s a list of the Macs that can run macOS Big Sur: Note that the M-series Macs will not be able to run Catalina or earlier. An M-series (Apple Silicon) Mac cannot be downgraded beyond Big Sur.