Apple M Chips Compared: M1 to M5 Explained

Comparing Apple Silicon processors: which Mac chip do you need?

What is Apple Silicon and why does it matter?

Since 2020, Apple has been building its own chips for the Mac: the M-series. Unlike Intel processors, these chips are specifically designed for macOS. They combine the CPU, GPU, RAM and Neural Engine on a single chip. The result is more speed, longer battery life and less heat — all at the same time.

But which Apple chip do you actually need? Whether you're a student occasionally opening a document, a photographer working with large RAW files, or a filmmaker editing 4K video: there' s an ideal chip for every use case. On this page we explain every model in plain language, without technical jargon that means nothing to you.

Apple Silicon in numbers

5
Chip generations: M1 through M5
4
Chip variants: Base, Pro, Max and sometimes Ultra
614
GB/s memory bandwidth in the M5 Max

What determines the performance of an Apple chip?

  • CPU cores: more cores means faster multitasking and handling more demanding applications
  • GPU cores: determine how quickly images, video and 3D are processed
  • Unified Memory: the RAM is on the chip itself, much faster than conventional memory
  • Memory Bandwidth: how fast data flows to and from memory
  • Neural Engine: accelerates AI tasks such as search, speech recognition and photo processing
  • Media Engine: accelerates video encoding and decoding for ProRes, H.264 and HEVC
Tip: More RAM is almost always the smartest upgrade with Apple. Memory cannot be expanded after purchase because it is fixed to the chip. When in doubt, always choose a model with more memory than you think you need right now.

Which chip suits you?

M4 or M5Student or home worker

You work with Word, Excel, email, video calls and browse the internet. The M4 or M5 chip is more than powerful enough for you. You benefit from excellent battery life and fast startup, without paying for more than you need.

M4 or M4 ProPhotographer

You edit large RAW files in Lightroom or Capture One. The M4 chip handles this flawlessly. Working with cameras above 50 megapixels or with multiple monitors simultaneously? Then the M4 Pro gives you extra headroom thanks to more memory and bandwidth.

M4 Pro or M4 MaxFilmmaker and video editor

You cut 4K or 8K footage in Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro. The M4 Pro with Media Engine processes ProRes video at lightning speed. Working with multiple 8K streams or heavy colour grading? Then the M4 Max is the only right choice.

M4 ProSoftware developer

You compile code, run Docker containers and have multiple apps open simultaneously. The M4 Pro with at least 24 GB RAM ensures you never have to wait for your Mac. Heavy Xcode builds and virtual machines are no problem.

M4 Pro or M4 Max3D designer and music producer

Whether you're rendering complex scenes in Cinema 4D or running dozens of plugins in Logic Pro: you need processing power and memory. The M4 Pro offers an excellent balance. Are you a professional 3D artist with heavy renders? Choose the M4 Max.

M4 Max, M5 Max or M3 UltraAI researcher and data scientist

You train machine learning models and work with large datasets. The M5 Max with up to 128 GB RAM and 614 GB/s bandwidth is a powerful platform for local AI workflows. For the heaviest professional workloads, the Mac Studio with M3 Ultra is the workstation choice.

The four chip lines explained

Entry level

M-series Base

The standard chip in the MacBook Air and entry-level MacBook Pro. Ideal for everyday use by students, creatives and home workers. The M4 comes with 16 GB RAM as standard and remains a strong entry choice; the M5 is the newest option if you want maximum future-proofing.

MacBook Air M4MacBook Air M3iMac M4Mac mini M4
Semi-pro

M-series Pro

More CPU cores, a more powerful GPU and up to 64 GB RAM. Designed for professionals who work daily with video, code, music or 3D and need more power than the base chip offers.

MacBook Pro 14" M4 Pro MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro Mac mini M4 Pro
High-end

M-series Max

The most powerful Apple chip family for MacBook Pro. Up to 128 GB RAM and a GPU that borders on workstation class. For heavy 3D renders, complex VFX and large-scale AI work on a Mac.

MacBook Pro 16" M4 Max Mac Studio M4 Max
Workstation

M-series Ultra

The Ultra line is intended for desktops such as Mac Studio and Mac Pro. The latest Ultra generation is M3 Ultra with up to 512 GB unified memory and more than 800 GB/s memory bandwidth for extreme professional workloads.

Mac Studio M3 UltraMac Pro M2 Ultra

Generation by generation compared

M1 vs M2: the first major step

Apple M2 NewerApple M1
Process node5 nm (2nd gen)5 nm
CPU cores8 (4P+4E)8 (4P+4E)
GPU cores8 or 107 or 8
Max RAM24 GB16 GB
Memory bandwidth100 GB/s68 GB/s
CPU speed vs previous gen+18% fasterBaseline
GPU speed vs previous gen+35% fasterBaseline
Media Engine (ProRes)✓✗
Released in20222020

Conclusion: the M2 is faster than the M1, supports up to 24 GB RAM and has a built-in Media Engine for ProRes video. Have an M1? For daily use it still works great. Buying new, the logical choice starts at M4 or M5.

M2 vs M3: the leap to 3nm

Apple M3 NewerApple M2
Process node3 nm5 nm (2nd gen)
CPU cores8 (4P+4E)8 (4P+4E)
GPU cores8 or 108 or 10
Max RAM24 GB24 GB
Memory bandwidth100 GB/s100 GB/s
CPU speed vs previous gen+20% fasterBaseline
GPU speed vs previous gen+20% fasterBaseline
Hardware Ray Tracing (3D)✓✗
Mesh Shading✓✗

Conclusion: the M3 is the first Apple chip on 3nm technology and introduces hardware ray tracing for more realistic 3D lighting. About 20% faster than the M2 in CPU and GPU. For everyday use the difference is small, but for 3D work the M3 is a serious upgrade.

M3 vs M4: more power for everyone

Apple M4 NewerApple M3
Process node3 nm (2nd gen)3 nm
CPU cores10 (4P+6E)8 (4P+4E)
GPU cores8 or 108 or 10
Standard RAM16 GB8 GB
Max RAM32 GB24 GB
Memory bandwidth120 GB/s100 GB/s
CPU speed vs previous gen+25% fasterBaseline
AI acceleration (NPU)38 TOPS18 TOPS
Released in20242023

Conclusion: the M4 is a serious step forward. Standard RAM goes from 8 to 16 GB, there are more CPU cores and the AI chip has more than doubled. For new purchases, the M4 is the logical choice over the M3.

M4 vs M5: faster, stronger, smarter

Apple M5 NewerApple M4
Process node3 nm (3rd gen)3 nm (2nd gen)
CPU cores10 (4P+6E)10 (4P+6E)
GPU cores108 or 10
Max RAM32 GB32 GB
Memory bandwidth153 GB/s120 GB/s
CPU speed vs previous gen+15% fasterBaseline
GPU speed vs previous gen+45% fasterBaseline
AI optimisationGreatly improvedGood

Conclusion: the M5 has an impressive GPU leap of 45% over the M4. The CPU gain is more modest (15%), but the higher bandwidth and greatly improved AI features make it interesting for graphically intensive work and Apple Intelligence.

Compare Apple chips yourself: M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5 side by side

Torn between a MacBook Air M2, MacBook M1, MacBook Pro M4 Pro or a newer M5 chip? Select two Apple Silicon processors below and instantly compare the key differences in CPU, GPU, RAM, memory bandwidth and best use case. See faster which Mac chip suits your work, study or creative workflow. Need Mac accessoriesafter that? Find them directly at SB Supply.

Select two chips and click compare. Popular comparisons are M1 vs M2, M2 vs M3, M3 vs M4, M4 vs M5, M4 Pro vs M5 Pro and M4 Max vs M5 Max.

Processor selection guide: answer 3 quick questions

Want to quickly find out which Apple Silicon processor suits you? Use this simple guide as a starting point. Then compare Apple chips above yourself, for example M4 vs M5, M4 Pro vs M5 Pro or M4 Max vs M5 Max.

Question 1

Do you mainly work with internet, Office and email?

Think browsing, Word, Excel, Teams, Zoom, Netflix, schoolwork and everyday remote working.

Choose:M4 or M5. These chips are fast, quiet and energy-efficient for normal use.
Question 2

Do you work with photos, video, code or music?

Think Lightroom, Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, Xcode, Docker, Logic Pro or heavy multitasking.

Choose:M4 Pro or M5 Pro. You get more CPU cores, more GPU power and higher memory bandwidth.
Question 3

Do you work with 3D, AI, VFX or multiple 8K streams?

Think heavy renders, local AI models, complex video post-production, large datasets or professional studio workflows.

Choose:M4 Max, M5 Max or M3 Ultra. These are the chips for the heaviest professional Mac workloads.

Comparing Apple M-chips by use case

Want to compare an Apple M-chipfor your daily work, study or creative projects? It's important to look not just at the generation, but also at the chip type. An M5 is newer than an M4, but an M4 Pro can still be faster in professional tasks than a standard M5. For most users a MacBook Air with M4 or M5 is more than sufficient, while video makers, developers and 3D designers more quickly end up needing a MacBook Pro with a Pro or Max chip.

Looking for Mac processor comparison, best Apple chip for MacBook, difference between M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5, which Mac processor do I needor choosing an Apple Silicon processor? Use this page as a complete guide. The right choice depends on your applications, how much memory you need and how long you want to keep using your Mac.

Study and office

For Safari, Chrome, Office, email, administration and video calls, an M4 or M5 is more than fast enough. Pair your Mac with a sleeve, USB-C hub or mouse via our Mac accessories.

Creative work

For photos, light video and design, M4 or M5 is strong. Working with large Photoshop files or many layers, choose extra RAM or a Pro chip instead.

Pro workflows

For software development, music production, 4K video and heavy multitasking, M4 Pro or M5 Pro is the safe choice. The higher bandwidth shows especially during prolonged heavy work.

Studio and AI

For 3D, VFX, local AI, ProRes workflows and multiple high-resolution streams, M4 Max, M5 Max and M3 Ultra are designed. Also consider fast external SSDs and docks via Mac accessories.

Just chosen a new Mac? Don't forget your accessories

The right Apple chip determines how fast your Mac is, but the right accessories determine how pleasant it is to use. Whether you use a MacBook Air M4, MacBook Pro M5 Pro, Mac mini or Mac Studio: with suitable Mac accessoriesyou get more out of your workspace.

For students

Think a protective sleeve, compact USB-C hub, extra charger and wireless mouse for school, study and on the go.

For home workers

A monitor adapter, laptop stand, keyboard and mouse make your MacBook much more comfortable for long working days at your desk.

For creators

Photographers, editors and designers benefit from an external SSD, Thunderbolt dock, card reader and good cables for fast workflows.

For travellers

Choose a compact charger, protective case, privacy filter and travel-friendly adapters so your Mac stays safe and complete on the road.

Which Apple processor suits your MacBook, Mac mini or Mac Studio?

The best Apple processor is not automatically the chip with the highest number. It mainly depends on what you do with your Mac. A MacBook with M1 is still suitable for internet, Office, email and study. A MacBook Air with M2 feels more modern and offers more memory space. The M3 chip is especially interesting if you want better graphics features, while M4 and M5 are the most logical choices when buying a new Mac and wanting to last longer.

Do you often work with external monitors, USB-C devices, storage or a fixed workspace? Then the chip is only part of the decision. Also think about a good charger, sleeve, adapter, dock, stand or external SSD. Therefore also check our Mac accessoriesto complete your MacBook, Mac mini or Mac Studio.

M1 vs M2

The M2 is faster, supports more RAM and has better video support. For daily use the M1 is still a strong choice, especially refurbished.

M2 vs M3

The M3 is especially interesting due to the 3nm process and hardware ray tracing. For simple tasks the difference is limited, but for graphical work you notice the upgrade faster.

M3 vs M4

The M4 is a clear step forward thanks to 16 GB standard RAM, higher bandwidth and better AI performance. For many new Mac buyers this is the safe entry choice.

M4 vs M5

The M5 is especially stronger in GPU and AI tasks. For video, graphical work and future-proofing the M5 is more attractive; for daily work the M4 remains excellent.

When do you choose Base, Pro, Max or Ultra?

The Base chip, such as M4 or M5, is intended for students, home workers, light photography and general use. The Pro chip suits developers, video editors and music producers who need more CPU cores and memory bandwidth. The Max chip is made for heavy 3D, VFX, AI and large video projects. Ultra is mainly intended for professional studios, scientific workflows and extremely large projects.

Do you often use your MacBook at a desk? Then combine your Mac with a good USB-C hub, laptop stand, keyboard, mouse or external storage. Check all matching Mac accessoriesand complete your workspace right away.

Which M-chip is the best?

The best M-chip is not the same for everyone. The fastest Apple Silicon chip is interesting if you run heavy 3D projects, large video files or local AI workflows, but for everyday use that's often far more power than you need. So don' t just look at the latest generation, but especially at what you do with your Mac.

For most users a standard M4 or M5 is the best choice: fast, efficient and suitable for study, work, internet, photos and light video. If you work daily with professional software, you'll more quickly end up at M4 Pro or M5 Pro. The Max and Ultra chips are mainly intended for people who really need a lot of GPU power, a lot of memory and high memory bandwidth.

Best for everyday useM4 or M5. Ideal for internet, Office, email, video calls, study and normal creative tasks.
Best balance for professionalsM4 Pro or M5 Pro. Strong for video, code, music production, photography and heavy multitasking.
Best for heavy graphical tasksM4 Max or M5 Max. Suitable for 3D, VFX, 8K video, AI and large creative projects.
Best workstation chipM3 Ultra. Intended for extreme workflows in Mac Studio, such as large AI models, film production and scientific work.

Torn between a newer standard chip and an older Pro chip? Then the Pro chip is often stronger for prolonged heavy work, because you get more CPU and GPU cores, more memory options and higher memory bandwidth. For normal everyday use the newest standard chip is often the smarter choice.

All Mac chips at a glance

Want to quickly see how the Apple M-chips differ from each other? This table compares the key specifications from M1 through M5 Max and M3 Ultra. See at a glance how many CPU cores, GPU cores, memory and memory bandwidth each chip has.

ChipCPU coresS-coresP-coresE-coresGPU coresMemoryBandwidth
M18–447 or 88 or 16 GB68 GB/s
M28–448 or 108, 16 or 24 GB102 GB/s
M38–448 or 108, 16 or 24 GB102 GB/s
M48 or 10–44 or 68 or 1016, 24 or 32 GB120 GB/s
M510–461016, 24 or 32 GB153 GB/s
M1 Pro8 or 10–6 or 8214 or 1616 or 32 GB205 GB/s
M2 Pro10 or 12–6 or 8416 or 1916 or 32 GB205 GB/s
M3 Pro11 or 12–5 or 6614 or 1818 or 36 GB154 GB/s
M4 Pro12 or 14–8 or 10416 or 2024, 48 or 64 GB273 GB/s
M5 Pro15 or 185 or 610 or 12–16 or 2024, 48 or 64 GB307 GB/s
M1 Max10–8224 or 3232 or 64 GB410 GB/s
M2 Max12–8430 or 3832, 64 or 96 GB410 GB/s
M3 Max14 or 16–10 or 12430 or 4036, 48, 64, 96 or 128 GB307 or 410 GB/s
M4 Max14 or 16–10 or 12432 or 4036, 48, 64 or 128 GB410 or 546 GB/s
M5 Max18612–32 or 4036, 48, 64 or 128 GB460 or 614 GB/s
M1 Ultra20–16448 or 6464 or 128 GB819 GB/s
M2 Ultra24–16860 or 7664, 128 or 192 GB819 GB/s
M3 Ultra28 or 32–20 or 24860 or 8096, 256 or 512 GB819 GB/s

* S-cores are 'super' cores, P-cores are powerful performance cores and E-cores are efficient energy-saving cores.
** Scaled-down configurations of M-chips in iPads are not included in this table.

All Mac chips explained

Apple Silicon works differently from a classic Intel processor. The CPU, GPU, Neural Engine and central memory sit close together on a single chip. This makes Macs respond faster, use less power and stay cooler. Below you'll find a brief explanation per chip with the most important specifications.

The chips are roughly ordered from entry level to professional use. A newer chip is not automatically better than an older Pro, Max or Ultra chip. Always look at the type of work you do, how much memory you need and whether CPU, GPU or video performance matters most to you.

The M1 was the first Mac chip entirely designed by Apple. For daily use, study, internet, Office, email and light photo or video editing it is still surprisingly strong. It also easily outperforms many older Intel Macs and handles 4K video.

Found in:MacBook Air 2020, 13-inch MacBook Pro 2020, 24-inch iMac 2021, Mac mini 2020, iPad Pro 2021 and iPad Air 2022.

CPU: 8 cores (4P + 4E)GPU: 7 or 8 coresMemory: 8 or 16 GBBandwidth: 68 GB/s

The M2 is the second generation Apple Silicon for the Mac. It has faster CPU cores, optionally more GPU cores and a Media Engine for faster video work. Compared to M1 it is especially attractive for better graphics performance and support for 24 GB memory.

Found in:MacBook Air 2022/2023, 13-inch MacBook Pro 2022, Mac mini 2023, iPad Pro 2022 and Apple Vision Pro.

CPU: 8 cores (4P + 4E)GPU: 8 or 10 coresMemory: 8, 16 or 24 GBBandwidth: 102 GB/sMedia Engine: 2nd generation

The M3 was the first Apple chip on 3nm technology. This makes it more efficient and faster than the M2. The biggest step is in graphics features, such as hardware ray tracing and better performance in 3D apps.

Found in:iMac 2023, MacBook Air 2024, MacBook Pro late 2023 and iPad Air 2025.

CPU: 8 cores (4P + 4E)GPU: 8 or 10 coresMemory: 8, 16 or 24 GBBandwidth: 102 GB/sMedia Engine: 3rd generation

The M4 is a refined 3nm chip with faster memory and a more powerful Neural Engine for AI tasks. In Macs, 16 GB memory has become the standard, making the M4 a strong entry choice for new MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro models.

Found in:MacBook Air 2025, iMac 2024, Mac mini 2024, MacBook Pro 2024 and iPad Pro 2024.

CPU: 8 or 10 coresP/E: 4P+4E or 4P+6EGPU: 8 or 10 coresMemory: 16, 24 or 32 GBBandwidth: 120 GB/sMedia Engine: 4th generation

The M5 emphasises graphics performance and AI. It is especially interesting for those who want a new Mac with strong future-proofing, faster GPU performance and higher memory bandwidth than the M4. The CPU gain is smaller, but the GPU and AI leap is more significant.

Found in:MacBook Pro M5, iPad Pro 2025 and second generation Apple Vision Pro.

CPU: 10 cores (4P + 6E)GPU: 10 coresMemory: 16, 24 or 32 GBBandwidth: 153 GB/sMedia Engine: 5th generation

The M1 Pro is the professional version of the M1. It has more cores, more memory and much more bandwidth. This makes it suitable for video editors, developers, music producers and graphic designers who need more than a standard M-chip.

Found in:14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro 2021.

CPU: 8 or 10 coresP/E: 6P+2E or 8P+2EGPU: 14 or 16 coresMemory: 16 or 32 GBBandwidth: 205 GB/s

The M2 Pro builds on the M2 but with more CPU and GPU cores, more memory bandwidth and better performance under prolonged heavy load. This makes it suitable for professional video, code, music and multitasking.

Found in:14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro 2023 and Mac mini 2023.

CPU: 10 or 12 coresP/E: 6P+4E or 8P+4EGPU: 16 or 19 coresMemory: 16 or 32 GBBandwidth: 205 GB/s

The M3 Pro is technically more modern than the M2 Pro, but has fewer performance cores and less memory bandwidth. Due to the faster M3 architecture it remains powerful, especially for developers, music production and video editing.

Found in:MacBook Pro late 2023.

CPU: 11 or 12 coresP/E: 5P+6E or 6P+6EGPU: 14 or 18 coresMemory: 18 or 36 GBBandwidth: 154 GB/s

The M4 Pro brings the Pro line back up significantly. It has more bandwidth, more cores and the faster M4 architecture. For many professionals this is the best balance between price, performance and portability.

Found in:Mac mini 2024 and MacBook Pro 2024.

CPU: 12 or 14 coresP/E: 8P+4E or 10P+4EGPU: 16 or 20 coresMemory: 24, 48 or 64 GBBandwidth: 273 GB/s

The M5 Pro targets heavy professional workflows in a MacBook Pro. It uses super-cores and performance cores rather than the classic performance/efficiency split and offers higher bandwidth than the M4 Pro.

Found in:MacBook Pro 2026 with M5 Pro.

CPU: 15 or 18 coresS/P: 5S+10P or 6S+12PGPU: 16 or 20 coresMemory: 24, 48 or 64 GBBandwidth: 307 GB/s

The M1 Max is similar in CPU to the M1 Pro, but has much more GPU power and a dual Media Engine. This makes it especially interesting for heavy graphics tasks, video, VFX and creative professionals.

Found in:14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro 2021 and Mac Studio 2022.

CPU: 10 cores (8P + 2E)GPU: 24 or 32 coresMemory: 32 or 64 GBBandwidth: 410 GB/sMedia Engine: dual

The M2 Max adds more graphics power to the M2 generation and can be configured with a lot of memory. Suitable for 3D, VFX, large video projects and heavy creative apps.

Found in:14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro 2023 and Mac Studio 2023.

CPU: 12 cores (8P + 4E)GPU: 30 or 38 coresMemory: 32, 64 or 96 GBBandwidth: 410 GB/sMedia Engine: dual

The M3 Max is a major step forward for graphics workloads. It supports up to 128 GB memory and brings modern graphics features such as hardware ray tracing to the high-end MacBook Pro.

Found in:MacBook Pro late 2023.

CPU: 14 or 16 coresP/E: 10P+4E or 12P+4EGPU: 30 or 40 coresMemory: 36, 48, 64, 96 or 128 GBBandwidth: 307 or 410 GB/s

The M4 Max combines the high core count of the Max line with the faster M4 architecture and higher memory bandwidth. A strong choice for heavy video, AI, 3D, VFX and professional studio workflows.

Found in:MacBook Pro 2024 and Mac Studio with M4 Max.

CPU: 14 or 16 coresP/E: 10P+4E or 12P+4EGPU: 32 or 40 coresMemory: 36, 48, 64 or 128 GBBandwidth: 410 or 546 GB/s

The M5 Max is the most powerful laptop chip in the M5 family. It is built for extremely heavy professional workflows, such as AI, 3D, VFX, large ProRes projects and other tasks where GPU power and memory bandwidth are critical.

Found in:MacBook Pro 2026 with M5 Max.

CPU: 18 coresS/P: 6 super+12 performanceGPU: 32 or 40 coresMemory: 36, 48, 64 or 128 GBBandwidth: 460 or 614 GB/s

The M1 Ultra effectively combines two M1 Max chips via UltraFusion. It was intended for very heavy desktop workflows in Mac Studio, with lots of CPU and GPU power and a quad Media Engine.

Found in:Mac Studio 2022.

CPU: 20 cores (16P + 4E)GPU: 48 or 64 coresMemory: 64 or 128 GBBandwidth: 819 GB/sMedia Engine: quad

The M2 Ultra is a workstation chip for the heaviest tasks. It offers far more GPU cores and more memory than the Max line, making it suitable for studios, scientific work, large AI projects and heavy video pipelines.

Found in:Mac Studio 2023 and Mac Pro 2023.

CPU: 24 cores (16P + 8E)GPU: 60 or 76 coresMemory: 64, 128 or 192 GBBandwidth: 819 GB/sMedia Engine: quad

The M3 Ultra is a remarkably powerful workstation chip. It was released after the M4 had already been unveiled, but surpasses the M4 line in many professional tasks thanks to extremely many CPU and GPU cores, up to 512 GB memory and Thunderbolt 5 support.

Found in:Mac Studio with M3 Ultra.

CPU: 28 or 32 coresP/E: 20P+8E or 24P+8EGPU: 60 or 80 coresMemory: 96, 256 or 512 GBBandwidth: 819 GB/sMedia Engine: quad

Which iPad has an M-chip?

Apple uses the M-series not only in Macs but also in powerful iPads. Especially the iPad Air and iPad Pro have received Apple Silicon chips in recent years. This makes these iPads faster for multitasking, creative apps, photo and video editing, external displays and features like Stage Manager.

Not every iPad has an M-chip. The standard iPad and iPad mini usually use A-series chips, while the iPad Air and iPad Pro are the models where you find M1, M2, M3, M4 or M5. Want to use an iPad as a laptop replacement with keyboard, Apple Pencil and external display? Then an iPad with an M-chip is usually the better choice.

ChipiPad modelsSuitable for
M1iPad Pro 2021 and iPad Air 2022Study, drawing, notes, multitasking and light creative apps.
M2iPad Pro 2022 and iPad Air 2024More speed for photos, video, heavy apps and working with an external display.
M3iPad Air 2025Strong middle ground with better graphics performance, suitable for Apple Intelligence and creative workflows.
M4iPad Pro 2024Professional drawing, photo and video work, 3D apps and heavy multitasking.
M5iPad Pro 2025The most powerful iPad choice for AI, graphics, professional apps and maximum future-proofing.

An iPad with an M-chip is especially interesting if you do more than streaming, browsing and emailing. For school, drawing, notes and normal use, an iPad Air with an M-chip is usually more than sufficient. For professional illustration, video, 3D or AI workflows an iPad Pro with M4 or M5 fits better. Not sure which iPad you have? Check our explanation page Which Apple iPad do I have?. Want to expand your iPad with a case, keyboard, Apple Pencil accessories, USB-C hub or screen protector? Also check all iPad accessories. Using your iPad together with a MacBook? Then matching Mac accessoriessuch as USB-C hubs, docks, chargers and external storage are also useful.

Look up the specs of every Apple chip

Select a chip below to instantly see all specifications and discover which use cases that chip is most suitable for.

Apple M1

Released in 2020. The first Apple Silicon chip for the Mac. Still great for everyday use.

8CPU cores (4P+4E)
7 or 8GPU cores
8 or 16 GBMax RAM
68 GB/sBandwidth
5 nmProcess
up to 20 hrsBattery life
Suitable for:students, home workers and people who browse, email, watch video and do light editing. An excellent choice as a refurbished laptop. No longer sold new.

Apple M1 Pro

Released in 2021. Apple's first Pro chip — a big step for professional work.

8 or 10CPU cores
14 or 16GPU cores
16 or 32 GBMax RAM
200 GB/sBandwidth
5 nmProcess
MacBook ProDevice
Suitable for:video editors (4K and ProRes), software developers, music producers with many plugins and graphic designers with large files.

Apple M1 Max

Released in 2021. Workstation performance in a laptop for the very first time.

10CPU cores (8P+2E)
24 or 32GPU cores
32 or 64 GBMax RAM
400 GB/sBandwidth
5 nmProcess
MacBook ProDevice
Suitable for:heavy 3D renders, VFX productions, high-end audio and video professionals seeking a powerful desktop workstation alternative.

Apple M1 Ultra

Released in 2022. Two M1 Max chips connected via UltraFusion. Exclusively for workstation use in Mac Studio or Mac Pro.

20CPU cores (16P+4E)
48 or 64GPU cores
64 or 128 GBMax RAM
800 GB/sBandwidth
5 nmProcess
Mac Studio/ProDevice
Suitable for:scientific research, large-scale AI training, professional film studios and extreme render pipelines. Only if you truly need everything.

Apple M2

Released in 2022. First chip on the improved 5nm process with a Media Engine for ProRes video.

8CPU cores (4P+4E)
8 or 10GPU cores
8, 16 or 24 GBMax RAM
100 GB/sBandwidth
5 nmProcess
+18% CPUvs M1
Suitable for:students, light creatives and home workers. Found in refurbished MacBook Air M2 models — still a fast daily laptop at a great price.

Apple M2 Pro

Released in 2023. The more powerful version of the M2, available in MacBook Pro and Mac mini.

10 or 12CPU cores
16 or 19GPU cores
16 or 32 GBMax RAM
200 GB/sBandwidth
5 nmProcess
MacBook ProDevice
Suitable for:video editors, developers and music producers. The Mac mini M2 Pro is also popular as an affordable yet powerful desktop alternative.

Apple M2 Max

Released in 2023. Major GPU power for 3D designers and heavy professional use.

12CPU cores (8P+4E)
30 or 38GPU cores
32/64/96 GBMax RAM
400 GB/sBandwidth
5 nmProcess
MacBook ProDevice
Suitable for:3D animators, VFX artists, machine learning engineers and professionals working with large amounts of data and graphics-intensive tasks.

Apple M2 Ultra

Released in 2023. Two M2 Max chips in one housing. Up to 192 GB RAM for extreme workloads.

24CPU cores (16P+8E)
60 or 76GPU cores
64/128/192 GBMax RAM
800 GB/sBandwidth
5 nmProcess
Mac Studio/ProDevice
Suitable for:studio professionals, scientists, large AI projects and teams needing a powerful workstation. Available in Mac Studio M2 Ultra and Mac Pro.

Apple M3

Released in 2023. The first Apple chip on 3nm technology, with hardware ray tracing for better 3D graphics.

8CPU cores (4P+4E)
8 or 10GPU cores
8, 16 or 24 GBMax RAM
100 GB/sBandwidth
3 nmProcess
+20% fastervs M2
Suitable for:students, creatives and people upgrading from an older Intel Mac. The MacBook Air M3 was one of the most popular laptops of 2024. Prefer 16 GB RAM.

Apple M3 Pro

Released in 2023. Semi-professional chip with more cores than the M3 Base. Note: slightly less bandwidth than the M2 Pro.

11 or 12CPU cores
14 or 18GPU cores
18 or 36 GBMax RAM
150 GB/sBandwidth
3 nmProcess
MacBook ProDevice
Suitable for:developers, music producers and video editors. Note: the M3 Pro has slightly less memory bandwidth than the M2 Pro. For heavy GPU tasks the M4 Pro is a better choice.

Apple M3 Max

Released in 2023. The most powerful chip in MacBook Pro with hardware ray tracing and up to 128 GB RAM.

14 or 16CPU cores
30 or 40GPU cores
36 to 128 GBMax RAM
300-400 GB/sBandwidth
3 nmProcess
MacBook Pro 16"Device
Suitable for:heavy 3D projects, high-end VFX, running large AI models locally and professional video post-production with multiple high-resolution streams.

Apple M3 Ultra

Released in 2025. The latest Ultra chip for Mac Studio, intended for extreme professional workflows and large local AI models.

28 or 32CPU cores
60 or 80GPU cores
96 to 512 GBMax RAM
> 800 GB/sBandwidth
3 nmProcess
Mac StudioDevice
Suitable for:the heaviest desktop workloads: running large AI models locally, massive datasets, scientific visualisation, 3D rendering and professional studio productions.

Apple M4

Released in 2024. The new entry chip with 16 GB RAM as standard and 25% more CPU power than the M3.

10CPU cores (4P+6E)
8 or 10GPU cores
16, 24 or 32 GBMax RAM
120 GB/sBandwidth
38 TOPSAI power (NPU)
+25% CPUvs M3
Suitable for:almost everyone. Students, home workers, photographers, light video editors, developers and Apple Intelligence users. The M4 is now the recommended entry choice for a new Mac.

Apple M4 Pro

Released in 2024. Massively improved bandwidth (273 GB/s) and up to 64 GB RAM for demanding professionals.

12 or 14CPU cores
16 or 20GPU cores
24, 48 or 64 GBMax RAM
273 GB/sBandwidth
3 nmProcess
MacBook ProDevice
Suitable for:video editors, software developers, music producers and data engineers who do heavy work daily and need 32 GB or more RAM.

Apple M4 Max

Released in 2024. At launch the most powerful laptop chip ever: 546 GB/s bandwidth and up to 128 GB RAM.

14 or 16CPU cores
32 or 40GPU cores
36 to 128 GBMax RAM
546 GB/sBandwidth
3 nmProcess
MacBook Pro 16"Device
Suitable for:high-end 3D renders, heavy VFX, local AI model training and the most demanding video post-production. Only if you truly need all available power.

Apple M5

Released in 2025. The newest entry chip with 45% more GPU power than the M4 and greatly improved AI capabilities.

10CPU cores (4P+6E)
10GPU cores
16, 24 or 32 GBMax RAM
153 GB/sBandwidth
+45% GPUvs M4
+15% CPUvs M4
Suitable for:everyone who wants a brand new Mac with maximum future-proofing. The GPU leap makes the M5 especially interesting for graphics work, video and Apple Intelligence features.

Apple M5 Pro

Released in 2026. The professional version of the M5 with more cores, higher bandwidth, Thunderbolt 5 and larger RAM options.

15 or 18CPU cores
16 or 20GPU cores
24 to 64 GBMax RAM
307 GB/sBandwidth
3 nmProcess
MacBook ProDevice
Suitable for:professional video editors, developers and creators who need lots of CPU and GPU power, but don't necessarily need to go Max.

Apple M5 Max

Released in 2026. The most powerful Apple laptop chip: 18 CPU cores, up to 40 GPU cores and up to 614 GB/s memory bandwidth.

18CPU cores (6 super + 12 performance)
32 or 40GPU cores
36 to 128 GBMax RAM
460-614 GB/sBandwidth
3 nmProcess
MacBook Pro 16"Device
Suitable for:the absolute top in Apple laptops. Heavy 3D, VFX, large-scale AI and high-volume ProRes video editing are exactly the workflows this chip is built for.

Don't know which MacBook or Apple chip you have?

Many visitors aren't directly looking for M4 vs M5, but for questions like which MacBook do I have, which processor is in my MacBook or how do I identify my MacBook model. That makes sense: only when you know which model you have do you know which charger, hub, adapter, sleeve or docking station fits.

Check your MacBook via About This Mac, the model number or serial number. On our page Which Apple MacBook do I have?you can see per generation which model you have and which Apple Silicon chip it contains. Found your model? Then directly view matching Mac accessoriesfor your MacBook.

Frequently asked questions about Apple processors

Apple M-chips combine the CPU, GPU, RAM and Neural Engine on one chip (System-on-a-Chip). This makes them much faster and more efficient than Intel processors, which have all these components separately on the motherboard. The result is better performance, less heat and a much longer battery life at the same or lower cost.
No. With Apple Silicon the RAM is fixed to the chip itself, also known as Unified Memory. It is not possible to add more memory after purchase. Therefore always choose sufficient RAM when buying. When in doubt: take 16 GB as a minimum, and 24 or 32 GB if you regularly use heavy applications.
Yes, for daily use, browsing, Word and Excel, watching video and light editing the M1 chip is still fine. It is no longer available new, but refurbished MacBooks with M1 can still be interesting. Buying new, choose at least an M4 or M5, depending on price and availability.
The M4 is the entry chip: fast enough for almost everyone. The M4 Pro has more CPU cores, a more powerful GPU and much more memory bandwidth (273 GB/s), ideal for professionals. The M4 Max is the top model with up to 128 GB RAM and 546 GB/s bandwidth, designed for the heaviest creative and technical tasks.
For daily use 16 GB is sufficient — this is now the standard with the M4. Working with large files, many browser tabs simultaneously, virtual machines or creative software like Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro? Choose 24 GB. Doing heavy 3D, AI tasks or video with multiple high-resolution streams? Then you want 32 GB or more.
The M5 is newer and has an impressive GPU improvement of 45%, but the CPU gain is more modest (15%). For graphically intensive work, video and AI the M5 is the better choice. For daily use and ordinary creative tasks the M4 is barely inferior. The difference is only noticeable with truly heavy GPU tasks.
For Logic Pro with dozens of tracks and many plugins, the M4 Pro is an excellent choice: enough RAM and CPU power for the most complex projects. Working with a very large orchestral sample library or using a lot of Native Instruments software? Then go for 48 or 64 GB RAM on the M4 Pro or M4 Max.
The MacBook Air always uses the base version of the M-chip, never Pro or Max. Currently models are available with the M4 chip, and older M3 models can still be interesting if you're price-conscious. The MacBook Air uses the base version of Apple Silicon and is designed for mobile everyday use.
For illustrators and graphic designers working with Adobe Illustrator, Procreate or Affinity Publisher, the M4 chip is more than sufficient. Working with large Photoshop files, many layers or compositing work? Then the M4 with 24 GB RAM is the better choice. Only if you do truly heavy 3D renders or complex motion graphics is the M4 Pro interesting.
For students a MacBook Air with M4 or M5 is usually the best choice. These chips are fast enough for internet, Office, email, video calls, notes, presentations and light creative tasks. Preferably choose at least 16 GB RAM if you use many tabs or apps simultaneously. Also don't forget a sleeve, USB-C hub or extra charger; check our Mac accessories for that.
It depends on your use. The M5 is newer and strong in GPU and AI tasks, but the M4 Pro has more professional processing power, more memory bandwidth and more room for heavy workflows than a standard M5. For daily use M5 is attractive; for video, code, music production and multitasking M4 Pro is often the better choice.
For many users more RAM is more important than a small step to a faster chip. Unified Memory cannot be upgraded later. Working with many browser tabs, large photos, video, virtual machines or creative software? Then preferably choose a Mac with more memory than just a slightly newer processor.
For Photoshop the M4 or M5 is sufficient if you work with normal photos, social visuals and light edits. Working with very large files, many layers, RAW photos or multiple Adobe programs simultaneously? Choose M4 Pro or M5 Pro with extra RAM. For most Photoshop users memory is more important than the very heaviest Max chip.
For simple 4K video the M4 or M5 is already powerful. Editing longer projects, ProRes video, multiple 4K streams or heavy colour grading? Then M4 Pro or M5 Pro is a better choice. For 8K, many effects, multicam or professional post-production you'll more quickly end up at M4 Max, M5 Max or M3 Ultra.
Most MacBook users need at minimum a protective case or sleeve, a USB-C hub, an extra charger and possibly a mouse or laptop stand. Working with external monitors, cameras or storage? Then a Thunderbolt dock, HDMI adapter, card reader and external SSD are useful. View all options at our Mac accessories.
For most users M4 or M5 is the best choice, as these chips are fast, efficient and future-proof. For professional video, code, music or photography work, M4 Pro or M5 Pro is often better. For 3D, VFX, AI and extremely heavy projects choose M4 Max, M5 Max or M3 Ultra.
M-chips are found mainly in iPad Air and iPad Pro. Examples are iPad Air 2022 with M1, iPad Air 2024 with M2, iPad Air 2025 with M3, iPad Pro 2024 with M4 and iPad Pro 2025 with M5. The standard iPad and iPad mini usually use A-series chips instead of M-chips.

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