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Apple M2

Apple M2

The Apple M2 is a System on a Chip (SoC) from Apple that is found in the late 2022 MacBook Air and, MacBook Pro 13. It offers 8 cores divided in four performance cores and four power-efficiency cores. The big cores offer 192 KB instruction cache, 128 KB data cache, and 16 MB shared L2 cache (up from 12 MB). The four efficiency cores are a lot smaller and offer only 128 KB instruction cache, 64 KB data cache, and 4 MB shared cache. The efficiency cores (E cluster) clock with  up to 2,4 GHz, the performance cores (P cluster) with up to 3,5 GHz and therefore higher than the M1 cores. The architecture should be similar to the A15 (iPhone 13) with Avalanche and Blizzard cores.

The chip features a unified memory architecture for the CPU and GPU cores and supports up to 24 GB LPDDR5-6400 for a bandwidth of up to 100GB/s.

According to Apple, the M2 offers a 18% higher CPU performance at the same power consumption level compared to the Apple M1. In our tests, the MacBook Pro 13 with active cooling was able to reach the 18% in Geekbench Multi. In other benchmarks we measured 12 to 15% gains compared to the M1. Therefore, the performance is now near the M1 Pro with 8 cores. The passively cooled MacBook Air may however suffer from throttling in longer load scenarios.

The integrated graphics card in the M2 offers 8 or 10 cores and a peak performance of 3.6 TFLOPs.

Furthermore, the SoC integrates a fast 16 core neural engine with a peak performance of 16 TOPS (for AI hardware acceleration), a secure enclave (e.g., for encryption), Thunderbolt / USB 4 controller, an ISP, and media de- and encoders.

The Apple M2 includes 20 billion transistors (up from the 16 billion of the M1) and is manufactured in the second generation 5nm process at TSMC (most likely N5P). The power consumption is rated at 20W what we also measured under CPU load.

SeriesApple Apple M2

Series: Apple M2

Apple M2 Max compare2.42 - 3.7 GHz12 / 12 cores48 MB L3
Apple M2 Pro compare2.42 - 3.5 GHz12 / 12 cores24 MB L3
Apple M2 Pro 10-Core compare2.42 - 3.7 GHz10 / 10 cores24 MB L3
Apple M2 « 2.42 - 3.48 GHz8 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Clock Rate2424 - 3480 MHz
Level 1 Cache2 MB
Level 2 Cache20 MB
Level 3 Cache8 MB
Number of Cores / Threads8 / 8
Power Consumption (TDP = Thermal Design Power)20 Watt
Transistor Count20000 Million
Manufacturing Technology5 nm
FeaturesARMv8 Instruction Set
GPUApple M2 10-Core GPU ( - 1398 MHz)
64 Bit64 Bit support
ArchitectureARM
Announcement Date06/10/2022
Product Link (external)www.apple.com

Benchmarks

Cinebench 2024 - CB24 CPU Single Core
121 Points (84%)
+ 1 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
Cinebench 2024 - CB24 CPU Multi Core
513 Points (10%)
+ 1 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
Cinebench R23 - Cinebench R23 Multi Core
min: 8517     avg: 8654     median: 8667 (8%)     max: 8772 Points
+ 5 benchmarks and specifications   - Hide comparison chart
Cinebench R23 - Cinebench R23 Single Core
min: 1580     avg: 1595     median: 1585 (67%)     max: 1638 Points
+ 5 benchmarks and specifications   - Hide comparison chart
Cinebench R20 - Cinebench R20 CPU (Single Core)
min: 216     avg: 370.8     median: 381 (42%)     max: 446 Points
+ 5 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
Cinebench R20 - Cinebench R20 CPU (Multi Core)
min: 2231     avg: 2325     median: 2324 (6%)     max: 2416 Points
+ 5 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
Cinebench R15 - Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit
min: 1209.9     avg: 1222     median: 1215 (8%)     max: 1243 Points
+ 5 benchmarks and specifications   - Hide comparison chart
0651301952603253904555205856507157808459109751040110511701235Tooltip
Cinebench R15 - Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64 Bit
min: 222     avg: 223.8     median: 223 (67%)     max: 229 Points
+ 5 benchmarks and specifications   - Hide comparison chart
Blender - Blender 3.3 Classroom CPU *
min: 540     avg: 620     median: 619.5 (8%)     max: 702 Seconds
+ 4 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
Blender - Blender 2.79 BMW27 CPU *
min: 549     avg: 614     median: 597 (4%)     max: 713 Seconds
+ 5 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
Geekbench 6.2 - Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
min: 2593     avg: 2622     median: 2621.5 (80%)     max: 2650 points
+ 2 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
Geekbench 6.2 - Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
min: 10034     avg: 10064     median: 10063.5 (40%)     max: 10093 points
+ 2 benchmarks and specifications   - Hide comparison chart
Geekbench 5.5 - Geekbench 5.1 - 5.4 64 Bit Single-Core
min: 1890     avg: 1918     median: 1917 (81%)     max: 1953 points
+ 7 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
Geekbench 5.5 - Geekbench 5.1 - 5.4 64 Bit Multi-Core
min: 8491     avg: 8839     median: 8961 (16%)     max: 8994 points
+ 7 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Kraken 1.1 Total Score *
min: 440     avg: 452.4     median: 450.9 (1%)     max: 466.8 ms
+ 7 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
Octane V2 - Octane V2 Total Score
min: 72484     avg: 74097     median: 74614 (67%)     max: 75776 Points
+ 7 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
WebXPRT 4 - WebXPRT 4 Score
min: 223     avg: 235.5     median: 226.5 (65%)     max: 256 Points
+ 6 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
WebXPRT 3 - WebXPRT 3 Score
min: 342     avg: 369.1     median: 377 (79%)     max: 387 Points
+ 7 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
Antutu v9 - AnTuTu v9 Total Score
min: 1257990     avg: 1337360     median: 1337360 (81%)     max: 1416730 Points
+ 2 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
Antutu v9 - AnTuTu v9 CPU
min: 294643     avg: 298254     median: 298254 (82%)     max: 301865 Points
+ 2 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
CrossMark - CrossMark Overall
min: 1496     avg: 1533     median: 1520 (58%)     max: 1585 Points
+ 7 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
Power Consumption - Cinebench R15 Multi Power Consumption - external Monitor *
29 Watt (5%)
+ 1 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
0510152025Tooltip
Power Consumption - Geekbench 5.5 Power Consumption 150cd *
min: 9.08     avg: 9.4     median: 9.4 (4%)     max: 9.71 Watt
+ 2 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
01234567891011121314151617Tooltip
Power Consumption - Idle Power Consumption - external Monitor *
min: 2.03     avg: 2.6     median: 2.4 (2%)     max: 3.98 Watt
+ 5 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
00.20.40.70.91.11.31.51.722.22.42.62.833.33.53.73.94.1Tooltip
Power Consumption - Idle Power Consumption 150cd 1min *
min: 2.32     avg: 4.1     median: 4.7 (5%)     max: 5.32 Watt
+ 3 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
012345Tooltip
Power Consumption - Cinebench R15 Multi Power Efficiency - external Monitor
42.4 Points per Watt (32%)
+ 1 benchmarks and specifications   + Show comparison chart
- Range of benchmark values for this graphics card
- Average benchmark values for this graphics card
* Smaller numbers mean a higher performance

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Reviews for the Apple M2 processor

Apple Mac Mini M2 2023 review - Apple M2 unleashing its power via desktop

Apple Mac Mini M2 2023 review - Apple M2 unleashing its power via desktop

Apple's Mac Mini now includes the latest M2 and M2 Pro CPUs, delivering plenty of power for a compact desktop. Since upgrades are costly, like they are for MacB...
Apple M2 | Apple M2 10-Core GPU | | 1.2 kg
Apple MacBook Air 15 2023 M2 review: The everyday MacBook now in 15 inches

Apple MacBook Air 15 2023 M2 review: The everyday MacBook now in 15 inches

It took a long time, but Apple has finally created a larger MacBook Air. Apart from the larger display, however, there are no major changes compared to its smal...
Apple M2 | Apple M2 10-Core GPU | 15.30" | 1.5 kg
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) review: Apple's giant tablet now runs with the M2 SoC

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) review: Apple's giant tablet now runs with the M2 SoC

Apple has given its biggest tablet a mild upgrade and the new M2 processor. However, other improvements are far and few between. Read our review to find out wha...
Apple M2 | Apple M2 10-Core GPU | 12.90" | 682 g
Apple iPad Pro 11 2022

Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022) tablet: Another power boost for Apple's creative tool

The Apple iPad Pro has been the benchmark for professional tablets for years. Compared to the predecessor, the 2022 model gets another power boost from the Appl...
Apple M2 | Apple M2 10-Core GPU | 11.00" | 466 g
Apple MacBook Air M2 review - The faster 10-core GPU isn't worth it

Apple MacBook Air M2 review - The faster 10-core GPU isn't worth it

After we tested the basic model, we now also got our hands on the faster version of the new MacBook Air with 16 GB of RAM, a large 1-TB SSD, and the faster 10-c...
Apple M2 | Apple M2 10-Core GPU | 13.60" | 1.2 kg

Apple MacBook Air M2 Entry: Apple M2 8-Core GPU, 13.60", 1.2 kg
  Review » Apple M2 SoC Analysis - Worse CPU efficiency compared to the M1

  Review » Apple MacBook Air M2 Entry Review – A very good, but too expensive daily MacBook

Apple MacBook Pro 13 2022 M2: Apple M2 10-Core GPU, 13.30", 1.4 kg
  Review » Apple MacBook Pro 13 2022 M2 Laptop Review – Debut for the new Apple M2

Apple MacBook Air 15 2023 M2 16 GB: Apple M2 10-Core GPU, 15.30", 1.5 kg
  External Review » Apple MacBook Air 15 2023 M2 16 GB

Apple iPad Pro 11 2022: Apple M2 10-Core GPU, 11.00", 0.5 kg
  External Review » Apple iPad Pro 11 2022

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 2022: Apple M2 10-Core GPU, 12.90", 0.7 kg
  External Review » Apple iPad Pro 12.9 2022

Apple MacBook Air M2 Entry: Apple M2 8-Core GPU, 13.60", 1.2 kg
  External Review » Apple MacBook Air M2 Entry

Apple MacBook Pro 13 2022 M2: Apple M2 10-Core GPU, 13.30", 1.4 kg
  External Review » Apple MacBook Pro 13 2022 M2

Apple MacBook Air 15 2023 M2 16 GB: Apple M2 10-Core GPU, 15.30", 1.5 kg
   » MacBook Air 15 with Apple M2, 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD receives heavy $400 discount

Apple iPad Pro 11 2022: Apple M2 10-Core GPU, 11.00", 0.5 kg
   » Apple will initially launch iPads with OLED displays instead of foldable iPads

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 2022: Apple M2 10-Core GPU, 12.90", 0.7 kg
   » Apple will initially launch iPads with OLED displays instead of foldable iPads

Apple MacBook Air 15 2023 M2 16 GB: Apple M2 10-Core GPU, 15.30", 1.5 kg
   » Apple's MacBook Air 15 M2 is expensive, but practically unrivaled

Apple MacBook Air M2 10C GPU: Apple M2 10-Core GPU, 13.60", 1.2 kg
   » Apple stopped M2 chip production over low MacBook sales as Samsung preps the new OLED Air display

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 2022: Apple M2 10-Core GPU, 12.90", 0.7 kg
   » Apple M1 iPad Pro 12.9 variants now on sale with steep discounts up to US$800 for limited time

   » Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022): More than a simple model update not necessary

Apple MacBook Air M2 Entry: Apple M2 8-Core GPU, 13.60", 1.2 kg
   » The new Apple MacBook Air M2 has arrived - Initial impressions and benchmark results of the entry-level SKU

Apple MacBook Pro 13 2022 M2: Apple M2 10-Core GPU, 13.30", 1.4 kg
   » The new Apple M2 requires an active cooling solution and is even slightly throttled in the MacBook Pro 13

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Other CPUs of the series Apple M2

» Apple M2 Max
   12x 2.42 GHz - 3.7 GHz
» Apple M2 Pro
   12x 2.42 GHz - 3.5 GHz
» Apple M2 Pro 10-Core
   10x 2.42 GHz - 3.7 GHz
» Apple M2
   8x 2.42 GHz - 3.48 GHz

Surrounding CPUs

+ AMD Ryzen 5 5600HS
   6x 3 GHz - 4.2 GHz
+ AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
   6x 3 GHz - 4 GHz
+ Intel Core i7-9850H
   6x 2.6 GHz - 4.6 GHz
+ Intel Core i7-9750H
   6x 2.6 GHz - 4.5 GHz
+ Intel Core i5-11260H
   6x 2.6 GHz - 4.4 GHz
» Apple M2
   8x 2.42 GHz - 3.48 GHz
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HS
   6x 3 GHz - 4 GHz
- Intel Xeon E-2176M
   6x 2.7 GHz - 4.4 GHz
- Intel Core i7-11390H
   4x 3.4 GHz - 5 GHz
- Intel Core i7-11375H
   4x 3.3 GHz - 5 GHz
- AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
   8x 1.7 GHz - 4.1 GHz
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Benchmarks / Tech > Notebook Processors > Apple M2 Processor - Benchmarks and Specs
Klaus Hinum (Update: 2022-06-29)