Apple M4 Chip vs Intel — Comprehensive Performance Comparison in 2026
Apple M4 vs Intel Core Ultra: detailed comparison of performance, efficiency, compatibility, and value. Find out which processor is best for your workflow in 2026.
Introduction
The processor war in 2026 looks very different from just a few years ago. Apple's M4 chip family has matured into a formidable lineup, while Intel's Core Ultra (Arrow Lake/Lunar Lake) generation represents a significant architectural overhaul. For the first time, Intel is competing not just on raw performance but on power efficiency — Apple's traditional stronghold.
This comparison covers everything you need to know to choose between these two ecosystems.
The Contenders
Apple M4 Family (2024-2026)
- M4: 10-core CPU (4P + 6E), 10-core GPU, 16GB base
- M4 Pro: 14-core CPU (10P + 4E), 20-core GPU, 24GB base
- M4 Max: 16-core CPU (12P + 4E), 40-core GPU, 36GB base
- M4 Ultra: 32-core CPU, 80-core GPU, 64GB+ (Mac Studio/Mac Pro)
Intel Core Ultra (2025-2026)
- Core Ultra 5 235U: 12 threads, 4.9 GHz boost, integrated Arc GPU
- Core Ultra 7 265H: 16 threads, 5.3 GHz boost, stronger Arc GPU
- Core Ultra 9 285HX: 24 threads, 5.5 GHz boost, enthusiast mobile
- Core Ultra desktop: Arrow Lake-S with up to 24 cores
CPU Performance Comparison
Single-Core Performance
Single-core speed matters most for everyday tasks, app launches, and lightly-threaded workloads:
| Chip | Geekbench 6 (Single) | Cinebench 2024 (Single) |
|---|---|---|
| M4 | ~3,800 | ~140 |
| M4 Pro | ~3,900 | ~145 |
| Intel Core Ultra 7 265H | ~2,800 | ~115 |
| Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX | ~3,100 | ~125 |
| M4 Max | ~3,900 | ~145 |
Winner: Apple M4 — significantly faster in single-threaded workloads, with a ~30-40% advantage. Apple's wide decode pipeline and high IPC (instructions per clock) maintain their lead.
Multi-Core Performance
Multi-core matters for video editing, 3D rendering, compiling, and scientific computing:
| Chip | Geekbench 6 (Multi) | Cinebench 2024 (Multi) |
|---|---|---|
| M4 (10-core) | ~15,000 | ~620 |
| M4 Pro (14-core) | ~22,000 | ~900 |
| Intel Core Ultra 7 265H | ~14,500 | ~580 |
| Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX | ~21,000 | ~850 |
| M4 Max (16-core) | ~25,000 | ~1,050 |
Winner: Depends on tier — The base M4 beats equivalent Intel chips. At the high end, M4 Pro and Max pull ahead. Intel's 285HX competes with M4 Pro but uses significantly more power.
Sustained Performance (Thermal)
This is where Apple's architecture shines:
- M4 in MacBook Air (fanless): Sustains ~90% of peak performance
- Intel Core Ultra in thin laptops: Throttles to 60-70% after extended load
- Intel in gaming laptops: Better sustained performance but with loud fans and 3-5x power consumption
GPU Performance
Integrated Graphics
| Chip | 3DMark Wildlife Extreme | GPU TFLOPs |
|---|---|---|
| M4 (10-core GPU) | ~8,500 | ~4.0 |
| M4 Pro (20-core GPU) | ~16,000 | ~8.0 |
| Intel Arc (Core Ultra 7) | ~5,500 | ~3.0 |
| Intel Arc (Core Ultra 9) | ~7,000 | ~3.5 |
Winner: Apple M4 — The gap is even larger in GPU performance. Apple's unified memory architecture gives the GPU direct access to system RAM without bandwidth penalties.
Real-World GPU Tasks
- Video editing (4K H.265): M4 hardware encode/decode is dramatically faster; Intel Quick Sync is capable but slower
- Photo editing: M4 GPU acceleration in Lightroom/Photoshop is excellent
- 3D rendering: M4 Pro/Max compete with dedicated desktop GPUs for many workflows
- Gaming: Intel has better compatibility with Windows games; M4 has a smaller but growing macOS game library
- Machine learning: M4's Neural Engine (16-core) excels at on-device inference; Intel has NPU but ecosystem support is limited
Power Efficiency
This is Apple's most decisive advantage:
| Scenario | Apple M4 | Intel Core Ultra 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Idle power | 1-2W | 3-5W |
| Web browsing | 3-5W | 8-12W |
| Office work | 4-7W | 10-15W |
| Heavy workload | 15-22W | 28-45W |
| Peak power | 22W (M4) | 65W+ (265H) |
Battery Life Impact
| Laptop | Battery | Real-World Battery Life |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air M4 | 52.6 Wh | 15-18 hours |
| MacBook Pro M4 Pro | 72.4 Wh | 17-22 hours |
| Typical Intel ultrabook | 55-60 Wh | 8-12 hours |
| Best Intel efficiency | 60-75 Wh | 12-14 hours |
Winner: Apple M4 — not close. Apple delivers 50-100% better battery life in most real-world scenarios.
AI and Machine Learning
On-Device AI Performance
| Feature | Apple M4 | Intel Core Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Neural Engine | 16-core, 38 TOPS | NPU: 11-13 TOPS |
| Framework support | Core ML, MLX | OpenVINO, ONNX |
| LLM inference | Excellent via MLX | Good via OpenVINO |
| AI app ecosystem | Growing rapidly | Broader Windows AI apps |
Apple's MLX framework has made running local LLMs incredibly easy on Apple Silicon. Intel's NPU exists but has less software support.
Software and Compatibility
Apple M4 (macOS)
Advantages:
- Native app ecosystem is fully ARM-optimized by 2026
- Rosetta 2 handles remaining x86 apps well
- Excellent creative suite performance (Final Cut, Logic, Adobe CC)
- Unix-based → great for developers
- Growing gaming library (Game Porting Toolkit 2)
Limitations:
- No native Windows (Parallels/UTM for virtualization)
- Some enterprise software (specific ERP, CAD) not available
- Gaming library much smaller than Windows
- Not great for .NET/Visual Studio developers (unless using VS Code)
Intel (Windows/Linux)
Advantages:
- Universal compatibility: Virtually all software runs natively
- Best for gaming (largest library, best driver support)
- Enterprise software support
- Dual-boot Linux is seamless
- Better for specific workflows: AutoCAD, SolidWorks, many engineering tools
Limitations:
- Windows bloatware and update management
- Less consistent battery life
- More variability in build quality across OEMs
Price-to-Performance Value
Under $1,000
| Price Point | Best Apple | Best Intel |
|---|---|---|
| $600 | — | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 |
| $800 | — | ASUS Vivobook / HP Pavilion Plus |
| $999 | MacBook Air M4 (8/256) | Various options |
Apple doesn't compete below $999, giving Intel a clear advantage in the true budget segment. At $999, the MacBook Air M4 is hard to beat.
$1,000-$2,000
Apple's M4 Pro MacBook Pro starts at ~$1,999 and offers exceptional value for professional workflows. Intel-based workstations compete here but with higher power consumption.
Who Should Choose What?
Choose Apple M4 If:
- Battery life is critical
- You do creative work (video, photo, music)
- You develop for iOS/macOS
- You value build quality and a silent experience
- You run local AI/ML models
- You use Unix/terminal workflows
Choose Intel If:
- You need Windows-only software
- You're a gamer
- You need the cheapest possible laptop
- You work with enterprise/engineering software
- You want maximum hardware variety and choice
- You need to dual-boot Linux
Either Works Great For:
- Web development
- Office productivity
- General computing
- Content consumption
- Python/data science
Conclusion
In 2026, Apple M4 leads in efficiency, single-core performance, GPU performance, and battery life. Intel competes on multi-core performance at the high end, price at the low end, and software compatibility across the board.
The choice often comes down to ecosystem, not silicon: if your software runs on macOS and you value battery life and build quality, M4 is exceptional. If you need Windows compatibility, gaming, or the broadest hardware selection, Intel remains the practical choice.
Both platforms deliver excellent computing experiences. We're living in a golden age of laptop processors.