Apple M4 GPU vs Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)

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

For most buyers the Apple M4 GPU is the better pick — it scores 38/100 to the Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)'s 30, leading on Core Specifications and Memory. Choose the Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) instead if api support matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Apple M4 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 M4 GPU leads overall

Apple M4 GPU

Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)

Why it stands out

Memory Capacity: 16 GB (100% more)
Theoretical Performance Performance (FP16): 8.6 TFLOPS (65% more)
Theoretical Performance Performance (FP32): 4.3 TFLOPS (65% more)

Winner by category for Apple M4 GPU vs Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
Category	Apple M4 GPU	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)	Winner
Core Specifications	71	29	Apple M4 GPU
Memory	65	48	Apple M4 GPU
API Support	46	54	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
Theoretical Performance	49	34	Apple M4 GPU
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 M4 GPU

The Apple M4 GPU is an integrated graphics processor designed for mobile platforms, manufactured using an efficient 3-nanometer lithography process. Operating at a maximum frequency of 1.4 GHz with a peak power draw of 20 watts, it features a unified memory architecture sharing up to 120 GB/s of bandwidth.

Best for Power-sensitive mobile workflowsBest for Tasks requiring fast access to unified system memory

Pros

Highly efficient 3-nanometer lithography process
Low maximum power draw of 20 watts suitable for mobile designs
Unified memory architecture with a 120 GB/s bandwidth rate

Cons

API support is limited to older standards, including OpenGL 4.1 and Vulkan 1.2

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.

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

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Apple M4 GPU

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Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)

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Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Apple M4 GPU	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
Base Frequency	1.395 GHz	N/A
Maximum Frequency	1.4 GHz	N/A
Lithography Process	3 nm40% less	5 nm

Memory

Feature	Apple M4 GPU	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
Technology
Bus Width	128 bit	N/A
Bandwidth	120 GB/s20% more	100 GB/s
Is Shared	Yes	Yes

API Support

Feature	Apple M4 GPU	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
DirectX Version	N/A	N/A
OpenGL Version	4.1	4.6
Vulkan Version	1.2	1.38% more
OpenCL Version	1.2	3

Theoretical Performance

Feature	Apple M4 GPU	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
Pixel Rate	N/A	74.3 GP/s
Texture Rate	N/A	47.7 GT/s
Performance (FP16)	8.6 TFLOPS65% more	5.2 TFLOPS
Performance (FP32)	4.3 TFLOPS65% more	2.6 TFLOPS
Performance (FP64)	N/A	N/A

Miscellaneous

Feature	Apple M4 GPU	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
Release Date	May 7, 2024	July 21, 2021
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 M4 GPU vs Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) comparison

They are closely matched: Apple M4 GPU scores 33/100 and Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) scores 32/100 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 M4 GPU and Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) 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 33/100 for Apple M4 GPU and 32/100 for Apple M1 GPU (8 Core).

It's close — Apple M4 GPU (33/100) and Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) (32/100) 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.