The Differences Between Apple's M4 and M3 Chip
Introduction
Apple continues to shake up the tech industry with its cutting-edge Apple Silicon chips. The latest addition to their impressive lineup is the M4 chip, introduced in May 2024 as the powerhouse behind the newest iPad Pro. However, this raises an important question: how does the M4 chip differ from its predecessor, the M3 chip? And what can users expect in terms of performance and improvements? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the differences between these two generations of chips, so you’ll know exactly what the M4 offers compared to the M3.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- A New Generation: M4 vs M3
- M4 Chip Performance vs M3 Chip
- Focus on AI: The Power of the Neural Engine
- Central Memory and Bandwidth
- Apple Products with the M4 Chip: What Can We Expect?
- Should You Upgrade to a Mac with the M4 Chip?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
A New Generation: M4 vs M3
The M4 chip marks a significant step forward for Apple. While the M3 chip was already praised for its energy efficiency and performance, the M4 takes it even further. The M4 chip is the first Apple chip based on the second generation of the 3nm production process. This process results in a more compact and efficient architecture, directly impacting both speed and power consumption. But what does this mean for the end user?
Improved Performance
One of the most significant advantages of the M4 chip is the substantial increase in processing power. According to benchmark tests like Geekbench, the M4 is up to 19% faster in single-core performance and up to 21% faster in multi-core performance compared to the M3. This means that everyday tasks like opening apps, multitasking, and even running demanding professional software will run significantly faster.
For graphical tasks, such as 3D rendering or video editing, the M4 is even more impressive. In the Metal benchmark, the M4 chip scores 14% higher than the M3 chip, making a world of difference for creative professionals working with heavy graphic applications.
More Energy-Efficient Design
Energy efficiency has always been a hallmark of Apple Silicon, and the M4 continues this trend. Thanks to the refined 3nm process, the M4 is not only faster but also more energy-efficient. This ensures that devices like the iPad Pro and future Macs equipped with the M4 chip not only deliver better performance but also last longer on a single charge. This makes the M4 chip particularly appealing for people who frequently use their devices on the go.
M4 Chip Performance vs M3 Chip
When comparing the performance between the M4 and M3 chips, we can’t overlook the impressive benchmark results. Geekbench tests show that the M4 chip delivers significant improvements across the board. Here’s a comparison of the key stats:
| Chip Model | Single-Core Score | Multi-Core Score | Metal Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4 | 3,695 | 14,550 | 53,000 |
| M3 | 3,100 | 12,000 | 46,571 |
| M2 | 2,520 | 8,900 | 35,000 |
As you can see, the M4 chip outperforms the M3 across the board. These numbers translate to faster processing times, smoother graphics performance, and an overall improved user experience. For anyone using their device for heavy tasks like video editing, music production, or running multiple programs at once, upgrading to the M4 makes a big difference.
Focus on AI: The Power of the Neural Engine
The M4 chip brings not only improvements in speed and efficiency but also introduces powerful new capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI). Apple has significantly enhanced the Neural Engine, responsible for machine learning tasks, in the M4 chip. This new Neural Engine can perform up to 38 trillion operations per second, making it ideal for tasks like facial recognition, voice assistants, and even real-time image and video editing.
Compared to the M3 chip, AI processing on the M4 is up to 4x faster, which will be especially noticeable in future iOS and macOS updates that increasingly integrate AI features.
Central Memory and Bandwidth
Another key improvement the M4 chip brings is the increase in memory bandwidth. The M4 chip supports bandwidth of up to 120 GB/s, which is 1.2x faster than the M3. This is especially noticeable when working with large datasets, such as video editing or scientific calculations. The M4 chip’s central memory has also been upgraded, with support for up to 16GB of RAM in iPads and potentially up to 512GB of RAM in future high-end Macs.
Apple Products with the M4 Chip: What Can We Expect?
The iPad Pro 2024 was the first Apple product with the new M4 chip, and this powerful tablet immediately demonstrates what the chip is capable of. The iPad Pro benefits from faster processing and improved graphics performance, especially when using AI features. But what else can we expect from the M4 chip in other Apple products?
Apple has announced that by the end of 2024, the first Macs with an M4 chip will be available. The 14-inch MacBook Pro, the iMac, and the Mac mini are expected to be the first models to benefit from the M4 chip. For those needing the most powerful performance, M4 Pro, M4 Max, and even M4 Ultra variants will be released by late 2024 and into 2025.
Should You Upgrade to a Mac with the M4 Chip?
Whether you should upgrade to a Mac with an M4 chip depends on your current situation and needs. If you are currently using a Mac with an M1 or Intel chip and notice your device is becoming slow, it may be worth waiting for a Mac with an M4 chip. The speed improvements and AI capabilities are a significant leap forward compared to older models.
However, if you have a recent Mac with an M2 or M3 chip, the need to upgrade is less urgent. While the M4 chip undoubtedly performs better, the differences for most everyday users aren’t significant enough to make an upgrade essential.
Conclusion
The M4 chip represents a major leap forward for Apple Silicon, with impressive improvements in speed, energy efficiency, and AI processing. While the M3 chip already excelled in many areas, the M4 chip offers just that extra bit of power and flexibility, especially for users working with graphically intensive or AI-focused tasks.
For those wondering if it’s worth waiting for a Mac with an M4 chip, this largely depends on your current device and needs. For power users, the M4 is a logical step forward, while more casual users may still get by just fine with their current Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the biggest difference between the M4 and M3 chips?
The biggest difference between the M4 and M3 chips lies in performance and energy efficiency. The M4 is based on an improved second-generation 3nm process, making it faster and more efficient. In benchmark tests, the M4 performs up to 21% better in multi-core tasks and is also significantly more energy-efficient.
Which products have the M4 chip?
The first products with the M4 chip are the 2024 iPad Pro models. It’s expected that later in 2024 and 2025, Macs like the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini will also adopt the M4 chip.
Is the M4 chip more energy-efficient than the M3?
Yes, the M4 chip is more energy-efficient due to the improved 3nm process. This means that devices with the M4 chip will have longer battery life compared to those with the M3 chip, despite delivering better performance.
