Apple M1 vs Apple M4 (10-CPU)

The Apple M1, introduced in November 2020, aimed to deliver high energy efficiency and integrated performance for MacBooks and Mac mini.

It is based on a 5 nm manufacturing process and features 8 CPU cores (4 performance, 4 efficiency cores) as well as an 8-core graphics unit. The maximum memory bandwidth is 68 GB/s, supported by 16 MB of Level 2 Cache. The Apple M4 (10-CPU), unveiled in May 2024, is designed for more demanding tasks and is manufactured using the more advanced 3 nm process.

It integrates 10 CPU cores (4 performance, 6 efficiency cores) and a 10-core graphics unit. With a maximum memory bandwidth of 120 GB/s and 20 MB of Level 2 Cache, it offers significantly higher raw performance. In performance measurements, the Apple M4 (10-CPU) clearly surpasses the Apple M1 in both single-core and multi-core scenarios, with performance gains well over 10 percent.

This superior performance is also noticeable in games, where the improved graphics unit and higher memory bandwidth of the Apple M4 (10-CPU) enable smoother gaming experiences. The 3 nm manufacturing process of the Apple M4 (10-CPU) also leads to improved energy efficiency compared to the 5 nm M1.

This means the M4 can operate more energy-efficiently at higher performance. Devices with Apple M1 are more affordable due to their age and offer good value for money for everyday tasks. Apple M4 (10-CPU)-based devices are currently premium products with correspondingly higher costs, aimed at users with the highest performance demands.

For demanding creative work and modern applications, the Apple M4 (10-CPU) is the recommendation, while the Apple M1 remains a solid choice for general use and budget-consciousness.