Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core vs Apple M6

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Apple M6 is the better pick — it scores 60/100 to the Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core's 55, leading on Core Specifications. Choose the Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core instead if integrated graphics and benchmark matter most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Key takeaways

  • Apple M6 leads Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core overall by 5 points (60 vs 55 out of 100).
  • Apple M6 stands out on Core Specifications Lithography Process: 2 nm (60% less).
Apple M6 leads overall
Apple M6
60
Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
55
Why it stands out
  • Core Specifications Lithography Process: 2 nm (60% less)

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core

The Apple M1 Ultra is an extremely powerful System-on-a-Chip designed for high-end, professional workstations. It combines two independently connected M1 Max units via the 'UltraFusion' interconnect to significantly increase computational throughput. This processor is suited for users who require maximum performance for intensive creative and scientific workloads.

Best for Professional video editingBest for 3D Rendering/VFXBest for Computational modeling
Pros
  • High core count structure, featuring a total of 20 CPU cores and dedicated high-bandwidth interconnectivity (Source 1)
  • Significant memory capacity options are available, supporting up to 128 GB of LPDDR5 RAM (Source 1)
  • Achieves exceptional performance by combining two M1 Max units, effectively doubling peak capabilities (Source 1)
Cons
  • The high resource requirements make it unsuitable for most general-purpose computing tasks
  • It is a discontinued processor, limiting modern upgrade paths and support options (Source 1)

Apple M6

The Apple M6 is an ARM-based system-on-a-chip manufactured using TSMC's 2 nm process, designed for entry-level Mac desktops and laptops. It features a 12-core CPU architecture alongside a 12-core GPU and a dual 16-core Neural Engine. Capable of supporting up to 32 GB of unified memory with bandwidth reaching 170 GB/s, it caters to mainstream consumers and everyday creative workloads.

Best for Accelerated on-device machine learning and AI workload executionBest for Mainstream video editing utilizing hardware ProRes and AV1 decodingBest for Multi-display desktop setups running high-refresh-rate 4K monitors
Pros
  • Built on an advanced 2 nm fabrication node for higher efficiency and transistor density
  • Dual 16-core Neural Engine delivers significantly higher compute performance for on-device AI tasks
  • Upgraded GPU architecture includes dynamic caching and hardware-accelerated ray tracing
  • Expanded display engine supports two external 4K monitors at up to 165 Hz
Cons
  • No high-end M6 Pro or M6 Max variants are offered in this chip generation
  • Higher entry price point for associated Mac hardware compared to previous iterations

Value for Money

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Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core41,396
Apple M635,823

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core vs Apple M6 comparison

They are closely matched: Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core scores 72/100 and Apple M6 scores 71/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 point. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core and Apple M6 are compared side by side above across every spec in the cpus category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 72/100 for Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core and 71/100 for Apple M6.
It's close — Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core (72/100) and Apple M6 (71/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.

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