Apple introduces a new processor: the M4. This is making its debut on the iPad, but will likely appear on other devices in the near future.

With the introduction of the M4 CPU, Apple is further developing its line of ARM-based processors. The company is launching this chip in the iPad Pro. Apple completely dispenses with the M3 for the iPad Pro and promises up to half the performance of the new devices compared to the previous generation with Apple M2 on board.

TSMC 3nm

The phone, tablet and computer maker is once again turning to TSMC for the M4, which is producing the chip on its state-of-the-art 3nm production line. This is the most advanced node available today. The small circuits automatically make the M4 very energy efficient and efficient.

Apple mainly compares the M4 to the M2 and claims that the performance is fifty percent higher. Conversely, the chip uses half the energy for the same performance.

Specifications

Apple has given the M4 ten computing cores, arranged in a large-small configuration. The chip has four performance cores and six efficiency cores. In addition, Apple is again installing a GPU on the chip. It is based on the M3’s GPU and has ten graphics cores. Hardware ray tracing is available for the first time. In times of AI, an NPU is indispensable again.

None of this matters much to Netflix viewers, but niche customers who buy the iPad Pro for the handful of professional apps that work great on it should, in theory, notice a difference.

Other devices

Apple has not yet given any information about future appearances of the M4. TSMC is currently operating at high capacity, which limits the availability of cutting-edge 3nm chips. In addition, other customers also want to use this production process. We expect higher availability in the long term, meaning Apple will undoubtedly integrate the M4 with other hardware in the future.