Several benchmark results for the M4 Pro and the M4 Max were announced this evening and this afternoon – and Apple doesn’t seem to have overpromised in this regard: According to Geekbench measurements, an M4 Pro is faster than an M2 Ultra when it’s about CPUs – and all in a laptop or Mac mini. The M4 Max surpasses the results of previous chips even more significantly. In announcements, Apple has emphasized several times that the M4 uses the world’s fastest CPU core currently on the market.First GPU benchmarks of M4 Pro and M4 Max
But when it comes to speed, it’s not just the CPU that matters, but also the graphics unit. Here too, Apple has announced that it has made great progress – and the very first benchmark results in Metal seem to confirm the claims. The M4 Max with 40 GPU cores is 20% faster than an M3 Max, also with 40 GPU cores:
M2 Ultra at your fingertips – with a laptop
These numbers are truly impressive because the M4 Max can at least keep up with the M2 Ultra with 36 fewer GPU cores - and this in a laptop. The M2 Ultra is only available on Mac Studio and Mac Pro – Apple does not produce laptops with this chip. This shows what progress Apple has made in developing its GPUs in recent years. The fast 546 GB/s memory connection, which is available in the largest expansion level of the M4 Max, should also be useful here. The smallest version “only” reaches 410 GB/s.
M4 Ultra an equally big step?
It is not yet certain when Apple will present the M4 Ultra in a new Mac Studio or Mac Pro – various reports suggest that this will not happen before summer 2025. The reasons for the late presentation are unclear: either the development proved more difficult than expected – or Apple is simply in no hurry to bring a new generation to the market due to poor sales of the Mac Pro and Mac Studio. It can be assumed that the new M4 Ultra has 80 GPU cores in the largest configuration and that the performance increases by a similar percentage as the M4 Pro on the M4 Max.
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M4 Max: Even more impressive benchmark results
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First benchmarks: M4 Pro faster than an M2 Ultra in the Mac Pro?
Interview: Unpacking the M4 Series Performance with Tech Expert Mendel Kucharzeck
Time.news Editor: Good evening, Mendel! It’s great to have you here to discuss Apple’s latest announcements regarding the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. The benchmarks have been quite impressive. What are your initial thoughts on these results?
Mendel Kucharzeck: Thank you for having me! I must say, the performance metrics are remarkable. The M4 Pro outperforming the M2 Ultra, especially in a portable format like a laptop or Mac mini, is a significant achievement. It seems Apple has indeed pushed the boundaries of what we can expect from mobile computing.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! The benchmark numbers reveal that the M4 Max, with 40 GPU cores, scored 190,500 in Geekbench, surpassing the M3 Max by a notable 20%. How do you see this reflecting on Apple’s ongoing advancements in GPU technology?
Mendel Kucharzeck: That leap in GPU performance illustrates Apple’s commitment to not just matching but overtaking previous generations. The fact that the M4 Max can match the M2 Ultra’s performance with fewer GPU cores is a testament to their engineering prowess. They’re optimizing their architecture incredibly well, providing more power without drastically increasing the component count.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned optimization. The M4 Max also boasts a memory bandwidth of 546 GB/s in its highest configuration, which is critical for high-performance tasks. How does that influence overall performance, especially in creative and computational workloads?
Mendel Kucharzeck: Memory bandwidth is crucial when handling large datasets or graphic-intensive tasks. A higher bandwidth means that the CPU and GPU can communicate more efficiently with the memory, reducing bottlenecks. For creatives working in video editing, 3D modeling, or any GPU-accelerated tasks, this improvement can significantly speed up workflows, allowing for more complex projects to be handled smoothly.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of creative tasks, Apple hasn’t yet announced the M4 Ultra. Reports suggest it may not debut until summer 2025. What do you think is causing the delay in its release, and how might this affect consumers?
Mendel Kucharzeck: Speculating on the reasons could be risky, but it often comes down to balancing demand and supply, or wanting to ensure that the technology is fully mature before launch. The M4 Ultra is likely to set new benchmarks in performance, and a delayed presentation might mean Apple wants to fine-tune the chip to deliver even more impressive results. For consumers, it might feel like a waiting game, but they may benefit from a more solid product at launch.
Time.news Editor: That’s a fair point. Given the competitive landscape, do you believe Apple is setting itself up to effectively compete with other high-performance computing products in the market?
Mendel Kucharzeck: Definitely. With benchmarks that outpace some of their competitors, Apple is signaling that they are a serious player in the high-performance market. The M4 series not only shows that they are innovating rapidly but also that they are willing to redefine what consumers should expect from laptops and desktops, narrowing that gap between professional workstations and portable devices.
Time.news Editor: Closing the gap is a fascinating point. As we look toward the future of computing, especially with advancements like the M4 series, what do you see as the next big trend in tech?
Mendel Kucharzeck: We’re heading toward a world where power and portability are seamlessly integrated. Devices will become more powerful and capable without sacrificing mobility. Additionally, with the rise of AI and machine learning, I anticipate that chips will increasingly be designed to handle these specific workloads, enhancing not just performance but efficiency and versatility across various applications.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mendel, for sharing your insights! The developments surrounding Apple’s M4 series set an exciting tone for the future of computing.
Mendel Kucharzeck: My pleasure! It’s an exhilarating time to be in tech, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next.