Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M4 Max GPU rates higher at 41/100 versus 29/100 for Apple M1 GPU — a 12-point lead. Apple M4 Max GPU 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 M4 Max GPU vs Apple M1 GPU
Updated Sep 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score
For most buyers the Apple M4 Max GPU is the better pick — it scores 42/100 to the Apple M1 GPU's 26, leading on Core Specifications and Memory. 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 M4 Max GPU has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M4 Max GPU leads Apple M1 GPU overall by 16 points (42 vs 26 out of 100).
- Apple M4 Max GPU stands out on Memory Capacity: 36 GB (350% more), Memory Bandwidth: 410 GB/s (503% more), Theoretical Performance Performance (FP32): 18 TFLOPS (592% more).
Apple M4 Max GPU leads overall
Apple M4 Max GPU
42
Apple M1 GPU
26
Why it stands out
- Memory Capacity: 36 GB (350% more)
- Memory Bandwidth: 410 GB/s (503% more)
- Theoretical Performance Performance (FP32): 18 TFLOPS (592% more)
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Sep 2026.
Apple M4 Max GPU
The M4 Max GPU is a high-performance integrated graphics processor featured in Apple's top-tier system-on-a-chip, built using TSMC's second-generation 3-nanometer process. Offered in 32-core and 40-core configurations, it is designed for intensive professional workloads on laptops and desktops. The GPU utilizes a unified memory architecture supporting up to 128GB of capacity to handle massive data sets efficiently.
Best for Hardware-accelerated ray tracing and real-time 3D graphics renderingBest for Data-heavy professional applications requiring massive memory bandwidth up to…
Pros
- Delivers hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading for advanced rendering capabilities.
- Accesses an ultra-high unified memory bandwidth of up to 546 GB/s on the top-tier 40-core configuration.
- Includes dedicated hardware-accelerated AV1 decoding for efficient high-resolution video playback.
Cons
- The binned 32-core variant suffers from a reduced memory bandwidth of 410 GB/s compared to the full version.
- Being permanently integrated into the system-on-a-chip prevents any future hardware graphics upgrades.
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
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Apple M4 Max GPU
Apple M1 GPU
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Apple M4 Max GPU vs Apple M1 GPU comparison
Apple M4 Max GPU 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 41/100 for Apple M4 Max GPU and 29/100 for Apple M1 GPU.
If you want the higher-rated gpus option overall, Apple M4 Max GPU (41/100) 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.
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