Apple has introduced the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, rounding out its M4 family designed to power MacBook Pro laptops and other Mac models. These chips, built with second-generation 3-nanometer technology, promise improved performance and efficiency compared to previous generations, specifically catering to professionals and creative users with advanced processing needs. M4 Pro and M4 Max also bring Thunderbolt 5 connectivity to Mac for the first time, enabling faster transfer speeds and expanded memory capabilities.
The M4 chip family enhances the user experience with machine learning, supporting Apple Intelligence, a suite of features that enable privacy-focused productivity and AI tools for workflows on macOS Sequoia 15.1. Apple has highlighted the energy efficiency of these chips, claiming up to 24 hours of battery life and reduced overall power usage across its product range.
Specifications
M4 Chip
- CPU: Up to 10 cores (4 performance, 6 efficiency)
- GPU: 10 cores
- Neural Engine: 16 cores, faster for Apple Intelligence
- Memory: Up to 32 GB unified memory
- Memory Bandwidth: 120 GB/s
- Display Support: Up to two external displays
- Thunderbolt Support: Four Thunderbolt 4 ports
M4 Pro Chip
- CPU: Up to 14 cores (10 performance, 4 efficiency)
- GPU: Up to 20 cores
- Neural Engine: Faster than previous generation
- Memory: Up to 64 GB unified memory
- Memory Bandwidth: 273 GB/s (75% increase over M3 Pro)
- Thunderbolt Support: Thunderbolt 5 (up to 120 GB/s)
M4 Max Chip
- CPU: Up to 16 cores (12 performance, 4 efficiency)
- GPU: Up to 40 cores
- Neural Engine: Over 3x faster than M1 Max
- Memory: Up to 128 GB unified memory
- Memory Bandwidth: Up to 546 GB/s (4x faster than AI PC chips)
- Thunderbolt Support: Thunderbolt 5 (up to 120 GB/s)
- Media Engine: Two video encode engines and two ProRes accelerators
Additional Features
- Apple Intelligence: Integrated AI capabilities with privacy protections, including Writing Tools, advanced Siri features, and on-device image generation
- Energy Efficiency: Up to 24 hours of battery life for portable models, reducing the need for frequent charging
- Environmental Impact: Built for energy efficiency and supporting Apple’s carbon neutrality goals for 2030
The M4 family aims to meet the demands of high-performance, AI-intensive workflows while prioritizing privacy and energy efficiency. With Thunderbolt 5 and expanded memory bandwidth, these chips represent Apple's latest advancements in processor technology for personal computing.
