Apple M4
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 4.4 GHz / 2.85 GHz
- Core/Thread Count:
- 10 Core / 10 Thread (4 Performance + 6 Efficiency)
- Cache:
- 16MB L2 + 4MB L1
- TDP:
- 22 Watts
- CPU Process Node:
- 3 Nanometers
- CPU Series:
- Apple Silicon
- Form Factor:
- Laptop
Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Manufacturer: Apple Last updated:
Apple M4 Review
Launched in mid-2024, the Apple M4 is a 10-core System-on-Chip (4 performance cores plus 6 efficiency cores) built on TSMC's second-generation, enhanced 3nm process within a 22 Watt TDP, found in the iPad Pro, 24-inch iMac, Mac mini, and 14-inch MacBook Pro.
The M4 adds two efficiency cores over the M3's 4+4 layout while moving to a more mature 3nm process node, raising both clocks and per-core efficiency again. It debuted first in the iPad Pro months before reaching the Mac lineup, an unusual sequencing for a new Apple Silicon generation.
More Efficiency Cores Again
The jump from the M3's 4+4 core layout to the M4's 4+6 mirrors the extra-efficiency-core pattern Apple used going from M1 Pro to M2 Pro, improving background and sustained-load throughput without adding performance cores.
An iPad-First Launch
The M4 launched in the iPad Pro before any Mac, the first time a new base-tier Apple Silicon chip reached a non-Mac device first, reflecting the iPad Pro's growing role as an early testbed for Apple's silicon.
Benchmarks
Geekbench 6 single-core scores around 3,700 and multi-core scores near 14,700 represent a meaningful step up from the M3, driven by higher clocks and the extra efficiency cores.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Apple Silicon |
| Product Line | Other |
| Model Number | M4 |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Laptop |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Apple Silicon, Fourth Generation |
| Socket Status | Current |
| Process Node | 3 nm |
| Process Node | 3 nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 10 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 4 |
| Efficiency Cores | 6 |
| Total Threads | 10 |
| SMT Enabled | No |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 2.85 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 16 MB |
|---|
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 22 W |
|---|
Memory
| Memory Type | LPDDR5X |
|---|---|
| Max Memory Speed | 7500 MT/s |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 32 GB |
| ECC Support | No |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | Yes |
|---|
Commercial
| Retail Availability | Soldered Only |
|---|
| Form Factor | Laptop |
|---|---|
| Core/Thread Count | 10 Core / 10 Thread (4 Performance + 6 Efficiency) |
| TDP | 22 W |
| Cache | 16MB L2 + 4MB L1 |
| Boost/Base Clock | 4.4 GHz / 2.85 GHz |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- iPad Pro, Mac mini, 24-inch iMac, or 14-inch MacBook Pro buyers wanting Apple's current-generation base-tier chip.
Not for
- Buyers needing more than 10 cores for sustained heavy multi-threaded work — look at the M4 Pro or M4 Max instead.
- Buyers needing x86 software compatibility without emulation.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Apple M4?
The Apple M4 is a processor from Apple. Key specs: Boost/Base Clock 4.4 GHz / 2.85 GHz, Core/Thread Count 10 Core / 10 Thread (4 Performance + 6 Efficiency), Cache 16MB L2 + 4MB L1, TDP 22 Watts, CPU Process Node 3 Nanometers.
Who is the Apple M4 best suited to?
It suits ipad pro, mac mini, 24-inch imac, or 14-inch macbook pro buyers wanting apple's current-generation base-tier chip..
What are the drawbacks of the Apple M4?
It is a poor fit for buyers needing more than 10 cores for sustained heavy multi-threaded work — look at the m4 pro or m4 max instead., buyers needing x86 software compatibility without emulation..