M1 vs M2 vs M3 vs M4 Chip: Apple Silicon Comparison

Published: 05/10/2025

Apple has revolutionized the performance of its MacBooks and iPads with the M-series chips. Each generation — M1, M2, M3, and now M4 — brings faster speeds, better efficiency, and improved graphics.
But what exactly is the difference between M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips? And which one should you choose for your MacBook or iPad in 2025? Let’s compare them clearly.

Table of Content

Overview of Apple’s M-Series Chips
Conclusion
FAQs

Let’s move into the article

Overview of Apple’s M-Series Chips

Before diving deep, here’s a quick look at how each chip evolved:

Chip	Launch Year	Architecture	Manufacturing	Notable Device
M1	2020	5nm	TSMC 5nm	MacBook Air (2020)
M2	2022	5nm (2nd Gen)	TSMC 5nm	MacBook Air (2022)
M3	2023	3nm	TSMC 3nm	MacBook Pro (2023)
M4	2024	3nm (Enhanced)	TSMC 3nm N3E	iPad Pro (2024), MacBook Air (2025)

Apple M1 Chip

The M1 chip was Apple’s first step away from Intel. It introduced ARM-based architecture, offering impressive battery life and efficient performance.

Key Features

8-core CPU and up to 8-core GPU
Built on 5nm architecture
Unified memory up to 16GB
Excellent power efficiency

Best For

Students, light users, and office work
Web browsing, content writing, and casual photo editing

Apple M2 Chip

The M2 chip refined what M1 started — offering up to 18% faster CPU and 35% faster GPU performance. It’s ideal for users who want more speed without going overboard.

Key Features

5nm (2nd Gen) process
Up to 10-core GPU
Better performance in multitasking and video editing
Available in MacBook Air M2 and MacBook Pro 13-inch

Best For

Creators and professionals on a budget
Light video editing, graphics, and office tasks

Apple M3 Chip

The M3 chip was Apple’s first 3nm processor, marking a massive jump in efficiency and graphics. The difference between M2 and M3 chip is mainly in speed and energy usage — the M3 delivers up to 20% better performance with less power draw.

Key Features

3nm architecture (same as iPhone 15 Pro’s A17 Pro chip)
Hardware-accelerated ray tracing
Faster neural engine for AI tasks
Up to 24GB unified memory

Best For

Designers, editors, and multitaskers
Gaming and AI-based apps

Apple M4 Chip

The M4 chip is Apple’s latest powerhouse, designed with an enhanced 3nm N3E process, offering a major boost in CPU, GPU, and AI processing. When comparing MacBook Air M2 vs M4, the M4 wins easily in performance, efficiency, and future-proofing.

Key Features

10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU
38 trillion operations per second (AI performance)
Best battery efficiency in Apple Silicon lineup
Supports higher refresh-rate displays and advanced graphics

Best For

Professionals and creators needing peak performance
Heavy video editing, 3D modeling, and advanced AI tools

Comparison Table: M1 vs M2 vs M3 vs M4

Each new Apple chip — M1, M2, M3, and M4 — brings noticeable upgrades in speed, efficiency, and AI power. While M1 started the revolution, M4 pushes performance to a whole new level, making Apple devices faster and smarter than ever.

Feature	M1	M2	M3	M4
Process	5nm	5nm (2nd Gen)	3nm	3nm (Enhanced)
CPU Cores	8	8	8	10
GPU Cores	7–8	8–10	10	10
Neural Engine	16-core	16-core	16-core	16-core (Improved)
Max RAM	16GB	24GB	24GB	32GB
Performance	Excellent	Better	Great	Best
Power Efficiency	High	Very High	Superior	Exceptional
AI & Graphics	Moderate	Better	Advanced	Professional-grade

Which Apple Chip Should You Choose?

Choosing between M1, M2, M3, and M4 depends on your needs:

Go for M1 if you’re on a budget and need basic performance.
Choose M2 for a balance between price and speed.
Pick M3 for creative or professional work.
Select M4 if you want the latest, fastest, and most efficient chip for the future.

Conclusion

All Apple chips deliver outstanding performance — but if you’re planning to buy a MacBook or iPad in 2025, go with M3 or M4. They’re faster, more efficient, and future-proof.
If your tasks are simple — browsing, studying, or writing — the M1 or M2 will still serve you perfectly. Always choose based on your work type, budget, and performance needs, not just the newest model.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about M1 vs M2 vs M3 vs M4 Chip.

Which chip is better, M1, M2 or M3?

The M3 chip is better overall — it’s built on a 3nm process, making it faster, more power-efficient, and better for graphics and AI tasks than M1 or M2.

What is the difference between M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips?

Each new chip offers better performance, efficiency, and GPU power.

M1: First-gen, 5nm, great for basic tasks.
M2: Faster CPU/GPU, better multitasking.
M3: 3nm design, improved graphics & AI.
M4: Even faster, supports advanced AI and higher efficiency.

Which is better, M1 or M2?

M2 is about 18–20% faster than M1, offering better performance for multitasking, video editing, and battery life.

What is better, an Apple M2 or M3 chip?

The M3 chip is better — it delivers higher speed, better graphics, and longer battery life due to its advanced 3nm architecture.