Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M1 rates higher at 56/100 versus 53/100 for Apple M2 Max 12 Core — a 3-point lead. Apple M1 is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.
Apple M1 vs Apple M2 Max 12 Core
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M2 Max 12 Core leads Apple M1 overall by 7 points (59 vs 52 out of 100).
- Apple M2 Max 12 Core stands out on Core Specifications Cores: 12, Core Specifications Threads: 12, Core Specifications Base Frequency: 3.7 GHz.
Apple M2 Max 12 Core leads overall
Apple M2 Max 12 Core
59
Apple M1
52
Why it stands out
- Core Specifications Cores: 12
- Core Specifications Threads: 12
- Core Specifications Base Frequency: 3.7 GHz
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple M1
The Apple M1 is a System on a Chip (SoC) created by Apple Inc. primarily intended for use in their suite of Macintosh computers and iPad Pro tablets. This chip provided a powerful, integrated alternative to traditional CPUs, making it suitable for users who require strong performance while maintaining portability and efficiency.
Best for Creative professionalsBest for General productivity and multi-tasking
Pros
- Offers high performance relative to its power consumption, which is ideal for demanding computing tasks.
- Integration of multiple components (CPU, GPU, NPU, memory) onto a single die improves system efficiency and speed.
- The architecture supports the usage across various Apple devices, from minimalist desktops to powerful laptops.
Cons
- It is an older generation chip compared to newer product lines (M1 Pro/Max), potentially limiting future hardware upgrade paths for certain users.
- While highly functional, some advanced use cases may require more specialized or higher-core count chips available in later iterations.
Apple M2 Max 12 Core
The Apple M2 Max is a high-performance System-on-a-chip designed for professional users and creative professionals. It functions as the central processing unit for demanding computing tasks, providing significant computational power across CPU, GPU, and NPU domains. This chip is intended for advanced applications that require intensive resource usage.
Best for video editingBest for 3D renderingBest for intensive design work
Pros
- It features multiple core types, including high-performance and efficiency cores, allowing optimized task execution (1).
- The M2 Max includes a substantial 38-core GPU, providing robust graphical processing capabilities (1).
- It supports extremely fast LPDDR5 memory bandwidth of up to 200 GB/s (1).
- The processor is designed for professional devices, supporting advanced codecs like 8K H.265 and ProRes (1).
- Its larger level cache (48 MB) contributes to better data handling efficiency compared to lower-tier variants (1).
Cons
- Functioning as an older generation chip relative to newer Apple silicon releases limits its peak performance ceiling compared to the latest models (1).
- The complexity of its core structure, combining various high and low-power cores, may require specific software optimization for best performance (1).
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Enter today's price for each product to see which offers better value. Use the same currency for both.
Apple M1
Apple M2 Max 12 Core
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple M110,500
Apple M2 Max 12 Core26,073
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 vs Apple M2 Max 12 Core comparison
Apple M1 and Apple M2 Max 12 Core 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 56/100 for Apple M1 and 53/100 for Apple M2 Max 12 Core.
If you want the higher-rated cpus option overall, Apple M1 (56/100) edges out Apple M2 Max 12 Core (53/100). But if Apple M2 Max 12 Core is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.