Apple M4 Chip: Features, Performance and Devices

The Apple M4 is a system-on-a-chip designed by Apple for Macs and iPads. It combines a central processor, graphics processor, memory architecture and other components on one chip, with a focus on performance and power efficiency; the exact configuration and capabilities depend on the device that contains it.

What the Apple M4 is

Apple introduced the M4 in 2024. It belongs to the company’s Apple silicon family, which replaced Intel processors in Mac computers, and followed the M1, M2 and M3 generations. The M4 is not a single fixed configuration: Apple uses versions with different CPU and GPU core counts in different products.

A system-on-a-chip (SoC) integrates multiple computing functions into one package. In addition to CPU and GPU cores, the M4 includes a Neural Engine for machine-learning workloads, media-processing hardware, memory controllers and other supporting components. Integrating these parts can reduce the distance data must travel and help a device balance speed, energy use and heat.

The M4 is distinct from Apple’s M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. Those are higher-tier members of the M4 generation, intended for systems that need more processing, graphics or memory capacity. “M4” alone usually refers to the standard chip, not the whole family.

CPU, GPU and Neural Engine

The CPU handles general-purpose instructions: operating-system work, web browsing, office applications, code and many creative tasks. Apple’s standard M4 has a CPU configuration of up to 10 cores, divided between performance cores for demanding work and efficiency cores for lighter tasks. The number of cores in a particular device can vary.

The GPU renders images and video and accelerates some applications’ parallel workloads. Standard M4 configurations have up to 10 GPU cores. Apple also lists hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading for the M4 generation, features that can help compatible games and 3D software produce more detailed scenes. Their practical benefit depends on the application and its support for those technologies.

The Neural Engine accelerates certain machine-learning operations, such as tasks involving image or language processing. Apple advertised the M4 Neural Engine at up to 38 trillion operations per second (TOPS). That figure is a peak capability for a specific kind of operation, not a general measure of how quickly every app runs. Actual results depend on software, workload, data type and the rest of the system.

Memory, graphics and media features

M4 devices use unified memory: CPU, GPU and other chip components draw on a shared pool rather than relying on separate system memory and graphics memory in the conventional way. This can make data sharing efficient, but it also means that memory capacity is a decision to make when buying. In most Apple devices, unified memory is not user-upgradable after purchase.

Memory capacity is determined by the specific product and configuration, not by the M4 name alone. For example, Apple’s M4 iPad Pro configurations offer different memory capacities depending on storage selection, while M4 Macs have their own configuration choices. Check the technical specifications for the exact model before comparing systems.

The chip also includes dedicated media engines for supported video formats and workflows. These can speed up tasks such as video playback, encoding and decoding in compatible apps. They do not mean every export will be fast: footage format, effects, resolution, application optimization and storage speed all matter.

Which devices use the M4?

Apple first brought the M4 to the iPad Pro in 2024, then used standard M4 configurations in products including the iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro. Availability changes as Apple updates its product range, and not every product in a category uses the same chip. Some MacBook Pro models, for instance, may offer M4 Pro or M4 Max options instead of, or alongside, the standard M4.

When checking a used or refurbished device, confirm its chip in the system information or the seller’s exact model listing. A product name such as “MacBook Pro” does not establish whether it has an M4, an earlier M-series chip or an Intel processor.

How to choose an M4 device

Choose a complete device configuration based on your work, rather than treating the chip name as the only deciding factor. Consider:

• Workload: Browsing, documents and streaming generally need less sustained processing power than complex video editing, software builds or 3D work.
• Memory: More unified memory can help when running large projects or many demanding apps at once. Since it is generally not upgradeable, consider likely needs over the life of the device.
• Storage: Internal storage affects how much data and how many applications fit locally. It is separate from unified memory.
• Form factor: An iPad Pro, MacBook and desktop Mac differ in display, operating system, ports, portability and cooling, even when they share an M4 chip.
• Software compatibility: Check that essential apps and accessories support the device and its operating system. Some specialized workflows may depend on particular ports, codecs or software features.

A standard M4 is likely ample for everyday work and many demanding creative tasks. A Pro or Max chip can be worth considering for sustained, highly parallel workloads, but the higher tier is not automatically faster in every task or better value for every user.

M4 compared with earlier Apple chips

Apple describes the M4 as faster and more efficient than earlier generations, but a useful comparison requires matching the device and workload. An M4 iPad Pro and an older MacBook, for example, differ in operating system, cooling, memory and software as well as processor. Results from a short benchmark also may not predict sustained performance in a long render or compile.

The M4 generation adds or advances capabilities such as hardware ray tracing and a faster Neural Engine relative to earlier standard M-series chips. That does not mean every M4 computer is a sensible upgrade from an M2 or M3. If an existing device handles its tasks well, a newer chip’s headline specifications may have little visible effect in routine use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple M4 a processor?
The M4 includes a CPU, but it is more accurately called a system-on-a-chip. It also integrates graphics, a Neural Engine, memory-related components and media hardware.

Is M4 better than M3?
The M4 is a newer generation and offers updated CPU, GPU and Neural Engine capabilities. Whether it is noticeably better depends on the specific devices, applications and workloads being compared.

Is the M4 good for gaming?
It can run supported games, and compatible software can use features such as hardware ray tracing. Game selection, graphics settings, device cooling and developer optimization all affect the experience.

Can you upgrade M4 memory later?
Unified memory is generally integrated into the device and is not a routine user upgrade. Select an appropriate memory configuration when buying and verify the options for the exact model.

Are M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max the same chip?
No. They are distinct chips in the same generation. Pro and Max configurations provide different levels of CPU, GPU and memory capability; the available options vary by product.

Does every M4 device perform the same?
No. Core counts, memory, cooling, power limits and software differ among devices. The M4 name identifies a chip generation, not a guarantee of identical performance across products.

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