Per [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARM_architecture) the ARM architecture is developed by Arm Holdings, a British company. Given that the Apple M1 chip is an ARM-based chip, did Apple simply do minor customization on work mostly done by Arm Holdings or did it actually design substantial elements of the new chip?
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The actual literal core inside the chip is likely licensed from ARM Holdings, who regularly update and improve their design. The number of cores, all the stuff “bolted on” around the cores within the chip, and probably to some extent the speed of the cores, is left to licensees. There may also be some modifications to the spec design as licensed from ARM also. The exact extent of Apple’s customization, though, is probably a guess at best unless one has inside info.
Imagine it like how a mower company usually purchases their motors from Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, or Honda. From there they might make some minor modifications to the engine itself, and bolt on a bunch of stuff around the engine, to make it do what they aim to do.
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