Guide to Apple M4 Chip Macs
Apple’s new M4 chips are here, and they’re redefining what “fast” means for Mac users.
Built on cutting-edge silicon with improved CPU, GPU, and neural engine performance, M4 Macs pack serious power into everyday workflows, whether you’re running resource-intensive creative tools, managing complex data, or just multitasking for maximum productivity.
You’ll find M4 chips in some of Apple’s latest hardware, including the newest MacBook Pro and MacBook Air laptops as well as iMacs.
If you’ve invested in an M4 Mac, you’ll want to make the most of that horsepower. Check out our guide to Apple M chips to see the journey so far. Then unlock the full potential of your M4 machine with Parallels Desktop, the latest versions are fully compatible with M4 chip Macs.
Key takeaways:
- Apple’s new M4 chips bring significant jumps in CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine performance, making Macs faster and more capable than ever.
- The M4 family powers the latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac, covering everything from ultraportable laptops to high-end workstations.
- M4 Pro and M4 Max push bandwidth up to 546 GB/s and introduce Thunderbolt 5, enabling next-level external storage and multi-display setups.
- Unified memory now scales up to 128 GB in M4 Max models, making it possible to run demanding creative, AI, and data workloads locally.
- With full support for M4 Macs, Parallels Desktop unlocks seamless Windows integration—so you can maximize your new Mac’s potential across platforms.
Apple M4 chip technical specs
| Model | Chip / Variant | CPU (P+E) | GPU Cores | Memory (Base → Max) | Bandwidth | Key Features |
| Mac mini | M4 | 4 + 6 | 10 | 16 GB → 24 GB | 120 GB/s | Compact, upgradeable SSD, desk desktop |
| Mac mini | M4 Pro | up to 8 + 4 | up to 16 | 24 GB → 64 GB | 273 GB/s | Higher performance for pro tasks |
| MacBook Pro | M4 Pro | up to 10 + 4 | up to 20 | up to ~64 GB+ | ~273 GB/s | ProMotion display, Pro I/O |
| MacBook Pro | M4 Max | up to 12 + 4 | up to 40 | up to 128 GB | up to 546 GB/s | Max GPU power, massive memory, desk-level I/O |
| MacBook Air | M4 (13-in) | 4 + 6 | 8 | 16 GB → 32 GB | 120 GB/s | Thin, light, fanless, great battery life |
| MacBook Air | M4 (15-in) | 4 + 6 | 10 | 16 GB → 32 GB | 120 GB/s | Larger screen, same efficiency |
How are M4 Macs different from other M series Macs?
Apple’s M4 lineup shows just how much the company’s in-house silicon has evolved. The base M4 chip delivers a major generational leap, while the M4 Pro and M4 Max push bandwidth and I/O into workstation territory.
Meet the Apple M4 family
The base M4 offers about 50% faster CPU performance than M2 and roughly matches the best Intel x86 chips in single-core speed. It brings a 10-core GPU with hardware ray tracing and a 16-core Neural Engine (~38 TOPS).
The M4 Pro and M4 Max dramatically increase memory bandwidth (273 GB/s and 546 GB/s respectively) and introduce Thunderbolt 5 (up to 120 Gb/s) on Apple Silicon, enabling faster external drives and multi-display setups.
The chart below details the different specs of the various M4 chips.
| Chip | CPU Cores | GPU Cores | Unified Memory | Memory Bandwidth | Process Node | Performance (Geekbench) |
| M4 | 10 (4P + 6E) | 10 | 16 GB | ~120 GB/s | 3 nm (N3E) | ~2,490 (single), ~12,500 (multi) |
| M4 Pro | Up to 14 (10P+4E) | Up to 20 | Up to 64 GB | ~273 GB/s | 3 nm (N3E) | ~3,000+ / ~16,000+ |
| M4 Max | Up to 16 (12P+4E) | Up to 40 | Up to 128 GB | ~546 GB/s | 3 nm (N3E) | ~3,200+ / ~21,000+ |
Which Apple chip is right for you?
Can’t decide which M series option will meet your needs?
- M1: Best for everyday tasks, web browsing, and office work. Affordable entry into Apple Silicon but starting to show its age.
- M2: A solid step up for light creative work and multitasking, with better GPU performance and higher memory limits.
- M3: Ideal for most prosumers, faster CPU/GPU, support for ray tracing, and strong efficiency for creative apps.
- M4: The cutting edge. Delivers top-tier CPU gains, hardware ray tracing, Thunderbolt 5 support, and massive memory bandwidth for demanding pro workflows.
Key improvements across M1, M2, M3, and M4 Apple generation chips
Not sure of the difference between the various Apple M chip options? Here’s how they’ve evolved over the years:
- M1: First Apple Silicon chip. Unified memory, major efficiency gains over Intel, up to 16 GB RAM.
- M2: Faster CPU/GPU, higher max memory (24 GB), and ~50% more memory bandwidth than M1.
- M3: Built on 3 nm process, adds hardware ray tracing and mesh shading, supports up to 128 GB in Max variant.
- M4: ~50% faster CPU vs. M2, new Neural Engine (~38 TOPS), Thunderbolt 5 support, and up to 546 GB/s memory bandwidth in M4 Max.
Apple M-Series Chip Comparison Chart
| Chip | CPU Cores | GPU Cores | Unified Memory | Memory Bandwidth | Process Node | Performance (Geekbench) |
| M1 | 8 (4P + 4E) | 7 or 8 | 16 GB | ~68 GB/s | 5 nm | ~2,400 (single), ~8,600 (multi) |
| M2 | 8 (4P + 4E) | 10 | 24 GB | ~100 GB/s | Enhanced 5 nm | ~2,600 / ~10,100 |
| M2 Pro | 12 (8P + 4E) | ~16 | 32 GB | ~200 GB/s | 5 nm | ~2,680 / ~11,455 |
| M2 Max | 12 (8P + 4E) | ~38 | 96 GB | ~400 GB/s | 5 nm | ~2,642 / ~14,620 |
| M3 | 8 (4P + 4E) | 10 | 24 GB | ~120 GB/s | 3 nm | ~3,135 / ~12,042 |
| M3 Pro | 11–12 | 14–18 | 36 GB | ~200–300 GB/s | 3 nm | ~3,070–3,200 / ~14,400–15,800 |
| M3 Max | 14–16 | 30–40 | 128 GB | ~400–550 GB/s | 3 nm | ~3,110–3,270 / ~18,500–21,400 |
| M4 | 10 (4P + 6E) | 10 | 16 GB | ~120 GB/s | 3 nm (N3E) | ~2,490 (single), ~12,500 (multi) |
Using virtual machines on M4 Macs
Apple’s M4 Macs are powerful enough to handle demanding workloads, and that includes virtualization. Whether you need to run Windows apps, test Linux environments, or isolate workflows, virtual machines let you stretch the versatility of your hardware even further. With faster CPUs, dedicated GPU enhancements, and huge memory bandwidth, the M4 family is well-suited for smooth VM performance.
Key points for virtualization on M4 Macs:
- Performance headroom: The M4’s upgraded CPU and GPU cores mean virtual machines run with less slowdown, even under heavy multitasking.
- AI and developer workflows: The 16-core Neural Engine and AV1 support help when experimenting with machine learning models or media-intensive workloads inside VMs.
- Thunderbolt 5 support: High-speed external storage and multi-monitor setups improve VM usability for professionals managing complex environments.
- Parallels Desktop vs. open-source alternatives: While open-source options like UTM or QEMU exist, Parallels Desktop delivers faster performance, better integration with macOS, and full compatibility with M4 Macs—making it the most seamless choice for everyday use.
Virtual machine software compatibility on M4 Macs
Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop is fully optimized for M4 Macs, providing the smoothest Windows 11 ARM virtualization experience available today. It leverages the M4’s enhanced CPU and GPU performance to deliver near-native speeds, while also supporting advanced features like hardware acceleration, Coherence mode, and tight macOS integration. For professionals who need both macOS and Windows apps running side by side, Parallels offers the most seamless and reliable solution.
VMware Fusion
VMware Fusion runs on Apple Silicon, including M4 Macs, and supports Windows ARM VMs. However, its overall performance and integration features are not as refined as Parallels Desktop. Users may find it slower in graphics-intensive applications, and some macOS interoperability features are missing. Fusion can be a workable solution for those already invested in the VMware ecosystem, but it lags behind Parallels in speed and ease of use.
UTM
UTM, built on the QEMU framework, is an open-source virtualization tool that also works with M4 Macs. It allows users to run Windows ARM and other operating systems but trades simplicity and performance for flexibility. Compared to Parallels or VMware, UTM requires more technical setup and delivers slower performance, making it better suited for enthusiasts, developers experimenting with different OS environments, or those who prefer a free option despite its limitations.
Compatibility issues with M4 Macs and older macOS versions
While M4 chip Macs support all the latest and greatest releases from Apple, older versions of macOS and other software may not perform as expected on Parallels Desktop or similar virtualization solutions.
Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop supports M4‑chip Macs and most core features work fluently. However, older versions may fail, since Parallels Desktop 19 and earlier don’t officially support macOS 15 (Sequoia)—which M4 Macs ship with—and may fail to launch VMs unless updated to Parallels Desktop 20 or newer.
VMware Fusion
VMware Fusion lacks some optimizations for Apple silicon that Parallels Desktop users benefit from; in addition, users may encounter slower performance or lighter macOS integration compared to Parallels Desktop.
UTM
UTM runs on M4 chips and lets users virtualize Windows ARM and other operating systems for free. But it still lags behind in terms of performance and ease of setup, regardless of the chip generation. It remains best suited for hobbyists or lightweight testing rather than production workflows.
Migrate Parallels Desktop to a new Mac with Apple M4 chip
If you’re already a Parallels Desktop user, you don’t need to purchase a new license if you upgrade to an M4 Mac as long as you have version 2 or higher. Here’s how to migrate your license and start running all the operating systems you need on your M4 Apple silicon Mac:
Migrate to the M4 Mac
Use Apple’s Migration Assistant to move Parallels Desktop and your data. After migration, activate Parallels Desktop on the new Mac. You can also copy VMs manually.
Create a new ARM VM (if needed)
If you’re transitioning from an Intel Mac to an M4 Mac, you must create a new Windows-on-ARM (or other ARM) VM and then migrate data from the old Intel VM.
Update Parallels Desktop to version 20 or higher
Parallels Desktop 19 or earlier is not supported on macOS 15, which ships on M4 Macs. Install Parallels Desktop 20 to avoid “Unable to start the virtual machine.
Note that your old Monterey VMs are unsupported on M4 Macs due to virtualization framework changes.
Would you rather watch a video? Check out this tutorial for running Windows on an M chip Mac with Parallels Desktop.
Is it possible to run Windows on M4 chip Macs?
Running Windows on Apple’s newest M4 Macs—like the MacBook Air, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro—is straightforward with Parallels Desktop. The software creates a Windows 11 ARM virtual machine that takes advantage of the M4’s high-performance CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, so you can launch Windows apps right alongside macOS software without rebooting. It’s the best of both worlds: the portability and efficiency of a MacBook Air, for instance, combined with the ability to use essential Windows tools on the same device.
It’s important to note that Parallels Desktop 19 or earlier is not supported on M4 Macs. If you’ve upgraded to an M4-powered machine, you’ll need to install the latest version of Parallels Desktop to ensure compatibility and stability. This upgrade unlocks full performance and seamless integration between Windows and macOS on Apple’s newest hardware.
Can you use Apple Intelligence and other AI tools on M4 Macs?
Apple’s M4 Macs are built to enable the next generation of AI-powered workflows. With Apple Intelligence rolling out across macOS, the M4 family provides the processing headroom and unified memory architecture needed to run these tools efficiently. Tasks like natural language generation, intelligent search, and context-aware assistance no longer rely solely on the cloud; the M4’s Neural Engine (capable of ~38 trillion operations per second) makes it possible to execute them directly on your Mac.
For professionals and prosumers, this means you can experiment with or even deploy large AI models locally on your device. Unified memory—scaling up to 128 GB in M4 Max configurations—lets models access data quickly without bottlenecks, while expanded GPU capabilities accelerate training and inference.
The result is faster, more private, and more flexible AI experiences, opening up possibilities from on-device creative tools to advanced data analysis workflows that were previously out of reach on a laptop or compact desktop.
Can I play games on Apple M4 chip Macs?
M4 Macs bring a big boost to gaming on macOS, thanks to faster GPUs, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and massive memory bandwidth. Many popular titles that are available natively for macOS now run smoother than ever, making the MacBook Air, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro more viable for casual and even serious gaming.
But a lot of fan-favorite games remain Windows-only. That’s where Parallels Desktop comes in. By running a Windows 11 ARM virtual machine, Parallels lets users install and play Windows games directly on M4 Macs.
Whether it’s strategy titles, simulation games, or Windows-exclusive RPGs, Parallels Desktop bridges the gap, so you don’t have to choose between Apple hardware and your gaming library. With the raw power of the M4 family and the flexibility of Parallels Desktop, Mac users can finally enjoy a broader range of their favorite games.
Run Windows (and nearly every other OS and app you’d like) on M4 Macs with Parallels Desktop
Apple’s M4 Macs deliver huge leaps in speed, graphics, and AI capability, making them more versatile than ever.
From productivity and pro apps to gaming and AI workloads, these machines give users a future-ready platform with room to grow. And with Parallels Desktop, you don’t have to choose between macOS and Windows. Run your favorite Windows apps on M4 Macs, test new environments and OSs, or even play Windows-only games—all made possible by Parallels Desktop.
