Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) vs Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) and Apple M2 GPU (8 Core) are closely matched overall (within 2 points).
- Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) stands out on API Support Vulkan Version: 1.3.
- Apple M2 GPU (8 Core) counters with Core Specifications Base Power: 25 W, Core Specifications Maximum Power: 40 W, Theoretical Performance Performance (FP32): 3.6 TFLOPS.
Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) and Apple M2 GPU (8 Core) are closely matched
Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
50
Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)
48
Where Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) stands out
- API Support Vulkan Version: 1.3
Where Apple M2 GPU (8 Core) stands out
- Core Specifications Base Power: 25 W
- Core Specifications Maximum Power: 40 W
- Theoretical Performance Performance (FP32): 3.6 TFLOPS
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
The Apple M1 GPU is an integrated graphics solution built into the M1 series of System-on-a-Chip processors. It provides graphical processing capabilities alongside the CPU and unified memory for Mac computers and iPads. This hardware solution is designed to offer high performance, especially in power efficiency, for a range of everyday computing tasks.
Best for Creative professionalsBest for Students/ProductivityBest for General use
Pros
- Integrated system approach ensures efficient data sharing between the GPU and unified memory.
- The architecture allows for strong overall performance per watt across various applications.
- Provides dedicated graphics horsepower suitable for creative workflows and media consumption.
Cons
- Though designed efficiently, it is limited to the specific hardware generation of Mac devices using M1.
- Compared to professional-grade desktop GPUs, its specialized focus may limit extreme rendering capabilities.
Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)
The Apple M2 GPU is an integrated component within the M2 System on a Chip, designed for Mac notebooks and various other Apple devices. It provides powerful graphical processing to handle tasks from everyday computing to specialized content creation. This chip is suitable for users who require efficient performance combined with modern AI capabilities.
Best for Creative ProfessionalsBest for General ProductivityBest for Media Consumption
Pros
- Offers significant gains in graphics capability compared to its predecessor (M1), boasting up to 35% GPU improvement (Source 1).
- Provides professional-grade graphical processing and compute power for creative workflows. The core count options can scale from 8 to a higher number (Source 1).
- Integrated unified memory architecture allows all components, including the GPU, consistent access to fast LPDDR5 RAM (Source 1).
Cons
- Base model specifications are less powerful than specialized versions like the M2 Max or Ultra (Source 1).
- The technology is part of a multi-series chip family, meaning higher performance options exist for extreme professional workloads.
Value for Money
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Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)4,821
Apple M2 GPU (8 Core)5,689
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side