For me it's because it seems like Apple hardware has a significant edge on battery performance. Assuming for the sake of discussion that Linux doesn't inhibit this, it would mean my laptop does the "mobility" part much better than if it was Intel/etc.
Frankly i'm not even sure i want to buy Apple. Not a big fan these days. But those Apple cores just seem so damn battery efficient.
The number one thing i want from a laptop is to be able to use it on my lap, disconnected from a wall for as long as possible. With reasonable performance.. ie turning a CPU down to 3% doesn't count hah.
I'm kinda split these days on if i buy Apple or buy a Linux and repair friendly laptop (Framework laptop, maybe one of the System 76, etc). A fully working Linux (NixOS for me) installation on an M1/M2 laptop would make this an even more difficult decision.