Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) 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 (40 Core) is the better pick — it scores 44/100 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 (40 Core) has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) leads overall

Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)

Apple M1 GPU

Why it stands out

Memory Capacity: 36 GB (350% more)
Memory Bandwidth: 460 GB/s (576% more)
Theoretical Performance Performance (FP32): 14.2 TFLOPS (446% more)

Winner by category for Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) vs Apple M1 GPU
Category	Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)	Apple M1 GPU	Winner
Core Specifications	71	29	Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)
Memory	63	36	Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)
API Support	100	0	Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)
Theoretical Performance	67	29	Apple M4 Max GPU (40 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 M4 Max GPU (40 Core)

The Apple M4 Max is a System-on-a-chip manufactured by Apple Inc., part of the M4 series designed with an integrated graphics processing unit (GPU) [Source 1]. It features a high core count, supporting either 32 or 40 GPU cores [Source 1]. This chip is engineered for various computing applications and utilizes LPDDR5X unified memory [Source 1].

Best for High-performance computingBest for Applications requiring maximum GPU cores

Pros

Contains 32 or 40 GPU cores [Source 1]
The M4 Max supports up to 128GB of unified memory [Source 1]
Features an optimized NPU with a capability of 38 TOPS [Source 1]

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 (40 Core)

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Review Videos

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Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)	Apple M1 GPU
Base Frequency	N/A	1.278 GHz
Maximum Frequency	N/A	1.278 GHz
Lithography Process	3 nm40% less	5 nm

Memory

Feature	Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)	Apple M1 GPU
Technology
Bus Width	N/A	128 bit
Bandwidth	460 GB/s576% more	68 GB/s
Is Shared	Yes	Yes

API Support

Feature	Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)	Apple M1 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 M4 Max GPU (40 Core)	Apple M1 GPU
Pixel Rate	164 GP/s	N/A
Texture Rate	328 GT/s	N/A
Performance (FP16)	28.4 TFLOPS	N/A
Performance (FP32)	14.2 TFLOPS446% more	2.6 TFLOPS
Performance (FP64)	N/A	N/A

Miscellaneous

Feature	Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)	Apple M1 GPU
Release Date	November 8, 2024	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 M4 Max GPU (40 Core) vs Apple M1 GPU comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) rates higher at 41/100 versus 29/100 for Apple M1 GPU — a 12-point lead. Apple M4 Max GPU (40 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 M4 Max GPU (40 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 41/100 for Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) and 29/100 for Apple M1 GPU.

If you want the higher-rated gpus option overall, Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) (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.