Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) vs Apple M2 GPU

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

For most buyers the Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) is the better pick — it scores 37/100 to the Apple M2 GPU's 34, leading on API Support. Choose the Apple M2 GPU instead if memory matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Apple M2 GPU has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.
Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) and Apple M2 GPU are closely matched

Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)

Apple M2 GPU

Where Apple M2 GPU stands out

Memory Technology: Unified
Theoretical Performance Performance (FP32): 3.6 TFLOPS (38% more)

Winner by category for Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) vs Apple M2 GPU
Category	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)	Apple M2 GPU	Winner
Core Specifications	50	50	Tie
Memory	51	60	Apple M2 GPU
API Support	100	0	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
Theoretical Performance	47	45	Tie
Benchmark	20	20	Tie
Miscellaneous	32	32	Tie

In-depth analysisAI

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

Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)

The Apple M1 GPU is an integrated graphics solution built into the M1 series of System-on-a-Chip processors. It provides graphical processing capabilities alongside the CPU and unified memory for Mac computers and iPads. This hardware solution is designed to offer high performance, especially in power efficiency, for a range of everyday computing tasks.

Best for Creative professionalsBest for Students/ProductivityBest for General use

Pros

Integrated system approach ensures efficient data sharing between the GPU and unified memory.
The architecture allows for strong overall performance per watt across various applications.
Provides dedicated graphics horsepower suitable for creative workflows and media consumption.

Cons

Though designed efficiently, it is limited to the specific hardware generation of Mac devices using M1.
Compared to professional-grade desktop GPUs, its specialized focus may limit extreme rendering capabilities.

Apple M2 GPU

The Apple M2 GPU is an integrated graphics solution built directly into the Apple M2 series of systems-on-chips. Depending on the specific chip variant, it scales from an 8-core configuration on entry-level models up to a 76-core setup on the high-end M2 Ultra. It leverages a unified memory architecture using 6400 MT/s LPDDR5 memory, which is shared directly with the CPU and other components.

Best for High-resolution video editing and 3D rendering on desktop configurationsBest for Energy-efficient mobile productivity on portable tablets and notebooks

Pros

Scalable design offering configurations from 8 to 76 cores across the M2 processor family
High-bandwidth graphics performance supported by unified 6400 MT/s LPDDR5 memory
Delivers up to 27.2 TFLOPS of peak FP32 performance in the top-tier 76-core variant

Cons

Integrated design prevents independent graphics memory upgrades after purchase
Base models are sometimes binned, reducing the active core count to 8 or 9 cores instead of the full 10

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

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Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)

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Apple M2 GPU

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Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)	Apple M2 GPU
Base Frequency	N/A	N/A
Maximum Frequency	N/A	1.398 GHz
Lithography Process	5 nm	5 nm

Memory

Feature	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)	Apple M2 GPU
Technology
Bus Width	N/A	128 bit
Bandwidth	100 GB/s	100 GB/s
Is Shared	Yes	Yes

API Support

Feature	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)	Apple M2 GPU
DirectX Version	N/A	N/A
OpenGL Version	4.6	N/A
Vulkan Version	1.3	N/A
OpenCL Version	3	N/A

Theoretical Performance

Feature	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)	Apple M2 GPU
Pixel Rate	74.3 GP/s	N/A
Texture Rate	47.7 GT/s	N/A
Performance (FP16)	5.2 TFLOPS	N/A
Performance (FP32)	2.6 TFLOPS	3.6 TFLOPS38% more
Performance (FP64)	N/A	N/A

Miscellaneous

Feature	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)	Apple M2 GPU
Release Date	July 21, 2021	N/A
Platform

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) vs Apple M2 GPU comparison

They are closely matched: Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) scores 32/100 and Apple M2 GPU scores 30/100 in our overall comparison — within 2 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.

Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) and Apple M2 GPU are compared side by side above across every spec in the gpus category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 32/100 for Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) and 30/100 for Apple M2 GPU.

It's close — Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) (32/100) and Apple M2 GPU (30/100) 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.