Quick Answer
The Apple M4 chip in the latest iPad Pro models represents a significant generational leap in performance and efficiency over the M1 chip found in older iPad Pro and iPad Air models. The M4 offers a more powerful CPU and GPU, a more advanced Neural Engine for AI tasks, and new display engine capabilities. For most users, an M1 iPad remains a highly capable device, while the M4 is aimed at demanding workflows like 3D rendering and advanced video editing.
Apple M4 (iPad) vs Apple M1 (iPad): Full Comparison
Introduction
When evaluating iPad models, the system-on-a-chip (SoC) is a central component that defines the device’s capabilities. The Apple M1, introduced in earlier iPad Pro and iPad Air models, was a groundbreaking chip that brought desktop-class architecture to a tablet. The more recent Apple M4 continues this trajectory with refinements in performance, efficiency, and specialized hardware. This comparison breaks down the key differences between these two chipsets within the iPad lineup, helping you understand which generation of technology might better suit your needs.
Performance and Architecture
The core architectural differences between the M1 and M4 chips highlight the evolution of Apple’s silicon.
- Process Node: The M1 is built on a 5-nanometer process. The M4 advances to a second-generation 3-nanometer process, which generally allows for more transistors in a smaller space, improving both performance and power efficiency.
- CPU: Both chips feature an 8-core CPU. However, the M4’s cores are newer and more efficient. Apple states the M4’s CPU can be up to 1.5x faster than the M1’s at the same power level. The M4 also typically includes a mix of high-performance and high-efficiency cores designed for a wider range of tasks.
- GPU: The M4 introduces a new 10-core GPU architecture with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, features absent in the M1. This provides a substantial boost for professional graphics, gaming, and 3D applications.
- Neural Engine: The Neural Engine is crucial for machine learning tasks. The M1 features a 16-core Neural Engine. The M4 upgrades this to a 16-core design that is significantly faster, capable of up to 38 trillion operations per second compared to the M1’s 11 trillion, accelerating AI features in apps.
Display and Media Engine
A key differentiator for the M4 is its integrated display engine, designed to support the advanced screens in the iPad Pro.
- Display Support: The M4 chip includes a new display engine that enables the Ultra Retina XDR display with tandem OLED technology found in the latest iPad Pro. This allows for exceptional brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. The M1 supports the Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED) and standard Liquid Retina displays of its era.
- Media Playback: Both chips have dedicated media encode/decode engines. The M4 adds support for hardware-accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and AV1 codecs, with AV1 decode being a new addition for efficient streaming video playback.
Efficiency and Thermal Design
The move to a more advanced manufacturing process impacts the chip’s daily operation.
- Power Efficiency: Thanks to its 3nm architecture and updated cores, the M4 is designed to deliver higher performance than the M1 while consuming less power. This can contribute to sustained performance during intensive tasks and potentially benefits battery life under similar workloads.
- Thermal Performance: Both chips are known for their efficient thermal profiles in the thin iPad form factor. The increased efficiency of the M4 may allow it to maintain peak performance for longer periods before any thermal management is needed.
Device Ecosystem and Software
The chip generation influences the device models and long-term software support.
- Available Models: The M1 chip is found in the 5th generation iPad Air (2022) and the 3rd generation (11-inch) and 5th generation (12.9-inch) iPad Pro models (2021). The M4 chip is currently exclusive to the latest iPad Pro models (2024).
- Software Longevity: Apple typically provides many years of software updates. As a newer chip, the M4 is expected to receive major iPadOS updates for a longer period into the future compared to the M1, though the M1 itself is still well-supported.
- Feature Unlocks: Certain advanced iPadOS features, particularly those relying on the latest Neural Engine capabilities (like advanced AI or photography features), may debut or perform best on M4-equipped iPads.
Comparison Table: Apple M4 vs M1 in iPads
| Feature | Apple M4 (iPad) | Apple M1 (iPad) |
|---|---|---|
| Process Technology | Second-generation 3nm | 5nm |
| CPU Cores | 8-core (4 performance + 4 efficiency) | 8-core (4 performance + 4 efficiency) |
| GPU Cores & Features | 10-core with hardware-accelerated ray tracing & mesh shading | 8-core (or 7-core in some iPad Air models) |
| Neural Engine | 16-core (38 TOPS) | 16-core (11 TOPS) |
| Memory Bandwidth | 120GB/s | 68GB/s (iPad Air) / 204GB/s (iPad Pro) |
| Display Engine | Advanced engine for tandem OLED (Ultra Retina XDR) | Supports Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED) & Liquid Retina |
| Media Playback | Hardware-accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes, AV1 decode | Hardware-accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes |
| Typical iPad Models | iPad Pro (2024) | iPad Pro (2021), iPad Air (2022) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Apple M4 and M1 chips?
The main differences lie in the manufacturing process (3nm vs 5nm), a significantly more powerful GPU with new features like ray tracing, a much faster Neural Engine for AI tasks, and a new display engine designed for advanced OLED screens in the latest iPad Pro.
Is an M1 iPad still a good choice?
Yes, the M1 chip remains a very powerful and capable processor for an iPad. It handles demanding tasks like photo editing, multitasking, and gaming with ease. For many users, its performance is more than sufficient.
Which chip is better for creative professionals?
The M4 offers clear advantages for professionals working with 3D graphics, ray-traced rendering, complex video effects, or AI-driven creative tools due to its enhanced GPU and Neural Engine. For 2D design, illustration, and standard video editing, the M1 is still highly capable.
Does the M4 chip improve battery life?
The M4’s 3nm architecture is designed for greater power efficiency. While battery life depends on many factors like display technology and usage, the M4 can generally deliver similar or better performance than the M1 while consuming less power, which can be beneficial for battery longevity during intensive tasks.
Final Thoughts
The comparison between the Apple M4 and M1 chips illustrates a meaningful step forward in tablet silicon. The M4 brings tangible improvements in graphics performance, AI acceleration, and display support, making it the foundation for the most advanced iPad Pro to date. The M1, however, established a high-performance baseline that continues to power excellent devices. The choice between iPads featuring these chips often comes down to assessing specific workflow demands, such as the need for the latest GPU features or the most advanced display, against the value offered by still-potent previous-generation technology. Both represent high points in mobile computing, catering to different segments of users within the iPad ecosystem.