Apple M2 Max GPU vs Apple M1 Pro GPU

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

For most buyers the Apple M2 Max GPU is the better pick — it scores 39/100 to the Apple M1 Pro GPU's 36, leading on Memory and Theoretical Performance. Choose the Apple M1 Pro GPU instead if api support matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

  • Apple M2 Max GPU has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.
  • Apple M1 Pro GPU has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Key takeaways

  • Apple M2 Max GPU and Apple M1 Pro GPU are closely matched overall (within 3 points).
  • Apple M2 Max GPU stands out on Memory Capacity: 32 GB (100% more), Memory Bandwidth: 400 GB/s (100% more), Theoretical Performance Performance (FP32): 13.6 TFLOPS (157% more).
Apple M2 Max GPU and Apple M1 Pro GPU are closely matched
Apple M2 Max GPU
39
Apple M1 Pro GPU
36
Where Apple M2 Max GPU stands out
  • Memory Capacity: 32 GB (100% more)
  • Memory Bandwidth: 400 GB/s (100% more)
  • Theoretical Performance Performance (FP32): 13.6 TFLOPS (157% more)

In-depth analysisAI

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

Apple M2 Max GPU

The Apple M2 Max GPU is a high-performance integrated graphics processor built into the M2 Max system-on-a-chip, designed primarily for power-user notebooks and compact desktops. It features up to 38 GPU cores and delivers up to 13.6 TFLOPS of FP32 floating-point performance. Utilizing a unified design, it shares high-speed LPDDR5 system memory directly across the system to handle demanding visual workloads.

Best for On-the-go high-resolution video rendering and color gradingBest for Mobile 3D asset creation and complex visual effects work
Pros
  • Delivers high-end graphics performance with up to 38 GPU cores and 4864 arithmetic logic units
  • Provides up to 13.6 TFLOPS of single-precision floating-point capability
  • Features a dedicated 48 MB last-level cache to streamline data transfer and reduce latency
  • Leverages efficient unified memory access to eliminate traditional bottlenecks between CPU and graphics
Cons
  • Integrated system-on-a-package design prevents any post-purchase upgrades to GPU cores or memory
  • Provides lower performance limits than the desktop-focused M2 Ultra, which doubles the graphics hardware

Apple M1 Pro GPU

The Apple M1 Pro GPU is an integrated graphics processor built on a 5-nanometer lithography process for mobile computing platforms. Designed for creators and power users, it utilizes a unified memory architecture with 16 gigabytes of shared memory and a 200 gigabytes-per-second bandwidth while operating under a conservative 40-watt maximum power limit.

Best for On-the-go video editing and digital content creation requiring steady…Best for Creative workloads that benefit from high-bandwidth, low-latency shared system…
Pros
  • Efficient power management with a modest 40-watt peak power draw
  • High-speed unified memory design providing up to 200 GB/s of bandwidth
  • Capable theoretical compute performance reaching up to 10.6 TFLOPS in FP16 calculations
Cons
  • Shared memory pool means graphics tasks must share the 16 GB capacity with general system operations
  • Limited to older graphics API standards, supporting OpenGL 4.1 and Vulkan 1.2

Value for Money

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Apple M2 Max GPU

Apple M1 Pro GPU

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple M2 Max GPU vs Apple M1 Pro GPU comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M2 Max GPU rates higher at 38/100 versus 33/100 for Apple M1 Pro GPU — a 5-point lead. Apple M2 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 M2 Max GPU and Apple M1 Pro 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 38/100 for Apple M2 Max GPU and 33/100 for Apple M1 Pro GPU.
If you want the higher-rated gpus option overall, Apple M2 Max GPU (38/100) edges out Apple M1 Pro GPU (33/100). But if Apple M1 Pro 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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