In a wave of fresh benchmarks for the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, we’re seeing some jaw-dropping numbers that could make even the most skeptical tech enthusiast sit up and pay attention. With these leaks showing up just before the official launch, Apple’s latest silicon promises a generational leap in performance — especially for those ready to upgrade from older Mac hardware. So let’s dig into the numbers and see just how much of a game-changer the M4 generation really is.
Using Geekbench 6 as a familiar performance yardstick, the leaked benchmarks reveal a massive leap in both single-core and multi-core performance across the M4 lineup. Apple has put the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips into the latest Macs, from the iMac and Mac Mini to the flagship MacBook Pro, each tailored to maximize performance across different use cases.
Starting with the base M4 chip, Apple has managed to squeeze out 3,860 in single-core performance and a multi-core score of 15,280. For context, the M3 hit around 11,566 in multi-core, which means the M4 is stepping up with close to a 32% jump in multi-core processing and a noticeable improvement in single-core speeds. If you’re still hanging onto an M1 MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, the difference here is nearly double in certain performance aspects, making the M4 a legitimate upgrade option for anyone craving more power.
M4 Pro: The Workhorse’s Sweet Spot
If you thought the base M4 was impressive, the M4 Pro is where things start to get jaw-dropping. The M4 Pro single-core score sits at 3,921, while its multi-core results soar to a staggering 22,088. That’s almost double the multi-core score of the M1 Pro and significantly outperforms the M2 Pro as well. For those who skipped over the M2 generation, this might be the first real reason to upgrade in years.
Apple has kept the design tight, delivering this in a single-chip package with an architecture that promises sustained performance even under heavy workloads. Video editors, developers, and anyone dealing with hefty workloads could see a day-to-day improvement that’s hard to ignore. For instance, where a video render might have taken the M1 Pro close to an hour, the M4 Pro should cut down that time drastically, especially in multi-threaded tasks.
M4 Max: Power at New Levels
And then there’s the M4 Max, Apple’s latest powerhouse. Geekbench leaks show the M4 Max hitting 4,060 in single-core performance — the highest score Apple Silicon has seen so far — and a multi-core score of 26,675. For anyone who remembers the impressive launch of the M1 Max with its groundbreaking 10-core setup, the M4 Max doubles that performance, significantly outpacing even the M2 Max.
One of the most impressive comparisons? The M4 Max’s 16-core setup is nearly head-to-head with Apple’s previous M2 Ultra, a 24-core chip! It’s clear that the M4 Max isn’t just a bump up; it’s a leap, giving professionals working in 3D rendering, complex simulations, and AI processing enough reason to get excited. The efficiency Apple’s brought to this chip is remarkable, making it ideal for professionals who need that power on the go.
How M4 Pro and M4 Max Stack Up Against the Ultra Line
Perhaps the most surprising finding in these leaks is that the M4 Max’s 16 cores deliver multi-core speeds close to the 24-core M2 Ultra, putting its processing power in the same league as Apple’s flagship desktop chip while running on a laptop form factor. The single-core scores, too, show that the M4 Pro can hold its own, often outpacing the M2 Ultra in single-threaded tasks.
For users considering an upgrade from an M1 or M2 Pro, the M4 lineup offers a level of power that should more than satisfy for both professional and creative work. And for those who need to run local machine learning models or perform complex calculations, the M4 Max’s performance places it squarely in the realm of high-end desktops.
Why Now May Be the Best Time to Upgrade
Apple’s silicon journey has been remarkable, but with the M4 Pro and M4 Max, they’ve hit a new stride. The M4’s generational leap in performance means anyone with an M1 or older can expect a significant improvement, especially for multi-core tasks. For tasks like video editing, coding, and high-end gaming, Apple’s latest chips promise a dramatic performance boost that feels like a true next-gen experience.
While the M1 and even the M2 lines were solid, the M4 lineup represents Apple’s strongest argument yet for an upgrade, especially for anyone who’s been holding off since the M1.
Final Thoughts: What the M4 Lineup Means for the Future of Apple Silicon
The M4 series sets a new standard in power and efficiency, giving both the M4 Pro and M4 Max serious weight as portable workhorses that don’t compromise. For those eyeing the MacBook Pro or even the upgraded Mac Mini with M4 chips, this generation marks Apple’s most significant performance gains in years.
With these benchmarks, the M4 Pro and M4 Max show that Apple Silicon isn’t just competing with traditional chip makers — it’s outpacing them. Whether you’re working on creative projects, diving into machine learning, or simply craving a machine that handles any workload, Apple’s new M4 lineup has redefined what’s possible in mobile and desktop performance.
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