Apple M2 GPU (8 Core) vs Apple M1 GPU

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

For most buyers the Apple M2 GPU (8 Core) is the better pick — it scores 38/100 to the Apple M1 GPU's 31, leading on Memory and API Support. Choose the Apple M1 GPU instead if you want to spend less.

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

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple M2 GPU (8 Core) leads overall

Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)

Apple M1 GPU

Why it stands out

Memory Bandwidth: 100 GB/s (47% more)
Theoretical Performance Performance (FP32): 3.6 TFLOPS (38% more)

Winner by category for Apple M2 GPU (8 Core) vs Apple M1 GPU
Category	Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)	Apple M1 GPU	Winner
Core Specifications	50	50	Tie
Memory	56	49	Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)
API Support	100	0	Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)
Theoretical Performance	51	36	Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)
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 M2 GPU (8 Core)

The Apple M2 GPU is an integrated component within the M2 System on a Chip, designed for Mac notebooks and various other Apple devices. It provides powerful graphical processing to handle tasks from everyday computing to specialized content creation. This chip is suitable for users who require efficient performance combined with modern AI capabilities.

Best for Creative ProfessionalsBest for General ProductivityBest for Media Consumption

Pros

Offers significant gains in graphics capability compared to its predecessor (M1), boasting up to 35% GPU improvement (Source 1).
Provides professional-grade graphical processing and compute power for creative workflows. The core count options can scale from 8 to a higher number (Source 1).
Integrated unified memory architecture allows all components, including the GPU, consistent access to fast LPDDR5 RAM (Source 1).

Cons

Base model specifications are less powerful than specialized versions like the M2 Max or Ultra (Source 1).
The technology is part of a multi-series chip family, meaning higher performance options exist for extreme professional workloads.

Apple M1 GPU

The Apple M1 is a series of ARM-based systems-on-a-chip that features an integrated GPU ranging from 7 to 64 cores depending on the specific chip tier. Manufactured using TSMC's 5 nm process, this hardware integrates the graphics processor, CPU, and system memory onto a single die. It is designed to deliver energy-efficient graphics performance across Apple's laptops, compact desktops, and high-end tablets.

Best for Portable creative work such as video and photo editing on laptops and tablets…Best for Silent or fanless computing configurations that require modest graphical…

Pros

Unified memory architecture allows the GPU and CPU to share the same high-speed memory pool directly.
Scalable graphics performance options ranging from 7-core and 8-core designs in entry-level models to 64-core configurations in workstation chips.
Built on an efficient 5 nm process node that delivers high graphics throughput relative to its power consumption.

Cons

The integrated design prevents post-purchase graphics or memory upgrades.
Base configurations are restricted to a maximum of 8 or 12 GB of unified memory shared between the CPU and GPU.

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

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Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)

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Apple M1 GPU

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Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)	Apple M1 GPU
Base Frequency	N/A	1.278 GHz
Maximum Frequency	N/A	1.278 GHz
Lithography Process	5 nm	5 nm

Memory

Feature	Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)	Apple M1 GPU
Technology
Bus Width	N/A	128 bit
Bandwidth	100 GB/s47% more	68 GB/s
Is Shared	Yes	Yes

API Support

Feature	Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)	Apple M1 GPU
DirectX Version	N/A	N/A
OpenGL Version	4.1	N/A
Vulkan Version	1.2	N/A
OpenCL Version	3	N/A

Theoretical Performance

Feature	Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)	Apple M1 GPU
Pixel Rate	108.8 GP/s	N/A
Texture Rate	108.8 GT/s	N/A
Performance (FP16)	3.6 TFLOPS	N/A
Performance (FP32)	3.6 TFLOPS38% more	2.6 TFLOPS
Performance (FP64)	N/A	N/A

Miscellaneous

Feature	Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)	Apple M1 GPU
Release Date	June 6, 2022	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 M2 GPU (8 Core) vs Apple M1 GPU comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M2 GPU (8 Core) rates higher at 32/100 versus 29/100 for Apple M1 GPU — a 3-point lead. Apple M2 GPU (8 Core) 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 M2 GPU (8 Core) and Apple M1 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 M2 GPU (8 Core) and 29/100 for Apple M1 GPU.

If you want the higher-rated gpus option overall, Apple M2 GPU (8 Core) (32/100) edges out Apple M1 GPU (29/100). But if Apple M1 GPU 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.