Apple M2
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 3.49 GHz / 2.42 GHz
- Core/Thread Count:
- 8 Core / 8 Thread (4 Performance + 4 Efficiency)
- Cache:
- 16MB L2 + 4MB L1
- TDP:
- 20 Watts
- CPU Process Node:
- 5 Nanometers
- CPU Series:
- Apple Silicon
- Form Factor:
- Laptop
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Manufacturer: Apple Last updated:
Apple M2 Review
Launched in mid-2022, the Apple M2 is an 8-core System-on-Chip (4 performance cores plus 4 efficiency cores) built on an enhanced 5nm process within a 20 Watt TDP, found in the MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini.
The M2 is Apple's second-generation Apple Silicon chip, keeping the same 4+4 core layout as the M1 but raising clock speeds, cache sizes, and memory bandwidth. It's a modest but real generational refinement rather than an architectural overhaul, delivering roughly 18% higher multi-core performance than the M1 at a similarly efficient power draw.
A Refinement, Not a Reinvention
Keeping the same 4 performance plus 4 efficiency core layout as the M1, the M2 focuses its generational gains on higher clock speeds, a larger shared cache, and faster unified memory rather than adding cores.
How Is the Apple M2 in Terms of Performance
Higher boost clocks and a 16MB shared L2 cache (up from the M1's 12MB combined) give the M2 a genuine single- and multi-core uplift over the M1 while keeping the 20 Watt TDP in the same efficient range.
Benchmarks
Geekbench 5 single-core scores around 1,900 and multi-core scores near 8,900 put the M2 roughly 10-20% ahead of the M1 across the board, a modest but consistent generational gain.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Apple Silicon |
| Product Line | Other |
| Model Number | M2 |
| Release Year | 2022 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Laptop |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Apple Silicon, Second Generation |
| Socket Status | Mature |
| Process Node | 5 nm |
| Process Node | 5 nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 8 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 4 |
| Efficiency Cores | 4 |
| Total Threads | 8 |
| SMT Enabled | No |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 2.42 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 3.49 GHz |
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 20 W |
|---|
Memory
| Memory Type | LPDDR5X |
|---|---|
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 24 GB |
| ECC Support | No |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | Yes |
|---|
Commercial
| Retail Availability | Soldered Only |
|---|
| Form Factor | Laptop |
|---|---|
| Core/Thread Count | 8 Core / 8 Thread (4 Performance + 4 Efficiency) |
| TDP | 20 W |
| Cache | 16MB L2 + 4MB L1 |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, or Mac mini buyers wanting a modest step up from the M1 at similarly low power draw.
Not for
- Buyers needing more than 8 cores for sustained heavy multi-threaded work — look at the M2 Pro or M2 Max instead.
- Buyers needing x86 software compatibility without emulation.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Apple M2?
The Apple M2 is a processor from Apple. Key specs: Boost/Base Clock 3.49 GHz / 2.42 GHz, Core/Thread Count 8 Core / 8 Thread (4 Performance + 4 Efficiency), Cache 16MB L2 + 4MB L1, TDP 20 Watts, CPU Process Node 5 Nanometers.
Who is the Apple M2 best suited to?
It suits macbook air, 13-inch macbook pro, or mac mini buyers wanting a modest step up from the m1 at similarly low power draw..
What are the drawbacks of the Apple M2?
It is a poor fit for buyers needing more than 8 cores for sustained heavy multi-threaded work — look at the m2 pro or m2 max instead., buyers needing x86 software compatibility without emulation..