New Apple M4 Ultra to Redefine Performance, Rivaling Top CPUs & GPUs

Apple’s anticipated Apple M4 Ultra processor, set for release alongside the Mac Pro, is poised to redefine computing power with significant advancements in both CPU and GPU performance. Following the success of the M4 Max, Apple’s latest series focuses on high efficiency, incredible speed, and cutting-edge graphics capabilities. Here’s a comprehensive look at what we know about the M4 Ultra, its specifications, estimated performance, and potential impact on Apple’s AI infrastructure and workstation devices.

apple m4 ultra

Key Specifications of M4 Ultra (in a glance)

ComponentDetails
CPU Cores32-core setup with high-performance and efficiency cores
GPU Cores80-core GPU with OpenCL and Vulkan API support
ManufacturingBuilt on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process
MemorySupports up to 128GB RAM in compatible Mac models
Geekbench ScoreEstimated 40,012 points in multi-core benchmark
Neural Engine38 trillion operations per second
EfficiencyExpected to outperform power-hungry Nvidia RTX 4090 GPUs

apple m4 ultra

Key Performance Highlights of the M4 Ultra

The M4 Ultra introduces a host of innovations that position it as one of the most powerful workstation SoCs on the market, pushing Apple’s reach in high-performance computing forward.

  • Advanced CPU Structure: Featuring a 32-core CPU with a balanced blend of high-performance and efficiency cores, the M4 Ultra is designed for demanding workloads and multitasking, making it ideal for creative professionals and enterprise environments.
  • Unparalleled GPU Power: With an 80-core GPU, the M4 Ultra shows an impressive leap in graphics performance. Benchmarks suggest that this chip may surpass Nvidia’s flagship RTX 4090 in OpenCL and Vulkan-based tasks, a significant win for Apple’s computing segment.
  • Enhanced AI and ML Support: The new M4 Ultra’s Neural Engine delivers a whopping 38 trillion operations per second, vastly improving machine learning tasks. This makes it suitable for high-intensity AI applications and cloud-based Apple Intelligence servers.
  • TSMC 3nm Efficiency Gains: Constructed on TSMC’s 3nm process, the M4 Ultra combines power and efficiency by reducing energy consumption without sacrificing performance. This ensures longer battery life in compatible devices and lower operating costs for Apple’s cloud-based AI servers.
apple m4 ultra

Estimated Benchmarks and Comparison

Multi-core CPU Performance

The M4 Ultra’s 40,012 points in Geekbench 6’s multi-core score showcases a massive 50% increase in performance over the M4 Max. This is due to its 32-core CPU, which, while less efficient in linear scaling, offers greater multi-core capabilities that beat even AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X.

Chip ModelGeekbench 6 Multi-Core ScorePerformance Comparison
Apple M4 Ultra~40,01250% faster than M4 Max
Apple M4 Max~26,675
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X~20,55294.7% slower
apple m4 ultra

GPU Performance (OpenCL & Vulkan APIs)

On the graphics front, the M4 Ultra appears to dominate Nvidia’s RTX 4090 in estimated OpenCL benchmarks, suggesting an estimated score of 330,000. This level of performance indicates a 78% improvement in GPU scaling over the M4 Max, making the M4 Ultra a formidable contender in 3D rendering and gaming.

GPU ModelOpenCL ScorePerformance Comparison
Apple M4 Ultra~330,0004% higher than RTX 4090
Nvidia RTX 4090~317,379
Apple M4 Max~192,81270% slower

Transition to M4 Chips in Apple Intelligence Servers

Starting next year, Apple plans to upgrade its Apple Intelligence servers from the M2 Ultra to the M4 Ultra, leveraging Foxconn’s manufacturing capabilities in Taiwan. This shift to M4-powered servers will enhance Apple’s Private Cloud Compute architecture, allowing for higher processing speeds, energy efficiency, and security.

  • Private Cloud Compute (PCC) Infrastructure: Apple’s PCC modules manage intensive AI tasks and advanced features, such as image generation and Siri enhancements. The improved Neural Engine in the M4 Ultra will accelerate these tasks while maintaining privacy standards.
  • Data Security and Efficiency: Apple’s PCC infrastructure prioritizes user privacy, ensuring data is only accessible to users without being stored by Apple or third parties. With Foxconn’s support, Apple aims to expand these services globally.
apple m4 ultra

Apple’s Ambitions in the AI Space and the Competitive Edge

Apple’s decision to invest in its own silicon, diverging from Nvidia GPUs, underscores a strategic move toward self-reliance in AI processing. The M4 Ultra’s performance, particularly its competitive edge over the RTX 4090, signals Apple’s broader intentions to dominate markets like high-end gaming and professional workstations. As these benchmarks reveal, the M4 Ultra is not only a powerhouse for Apple devices but could reshape the performance expectations for consumer technology across the industry.

Potential Applications and Future Developments

Apple’s M4 Ultra SoC holds potential across various domains, extending well beyond traditional consumer electronics. Here’s what the M4 Ultra could enable:

  1. Professional Workstations: The M4 Ultra’s high multi-core processing power makes it ideal for video editing, 3D rendering, and other demanding applications in creative industries.
  2. Gaming Performance: While Apple has historically trailed in the gaming sector, the M4 Ultra’s GPU scores hint at potential compatibility with high-demand games, making it a viable competitor to PCs equipped with high-end graphics cards.
  3. Expanded AI Infrastructure: Apple’s AI services, backed by Foxconn-built M4 Ultra servers, could roll out globally, providing localized AI capabilities and expanded Apple Intelligence features across languages and regions.
  4. Enhanced Device Efficiency: With the 3nm TSMC process, the M4 Ultra offers superior efficiency, making it compatible with Apple’s goal of sustainable, high-performance technology. This could lead to battery life improvements and lower power demands across compatible devices.
https://twitter.com/SandipM62146287/status/1854421478336278906

Conclusion

The M4 Ultra stands out as Apple’s most ambitious and powerful SoC to date, showcasing a sophisticated blend of CPU and GPU capabilities built for the future of high-performance computing. From estimated benchmarks to potential AI applications, the M4 Ultra demonstrates Apple’s commitment to technological leadership. With the anticipated integration of this chip into upcoming Mac Pro models and its implementation in Apple Intelligence servers, Apple is well-positioned to compete with traditional powerhouses like Nvidia and AMD.

The true performance of the M4 Ultra will only be confirmed with its official release, but early estimates paint a promising picture. Whether for creative professionals, enterprises, or consumers demanding top-tier performance, the M4 Ultra promises to deliver on multiple fronts, making it an exciting development for Apple and the tech industry alike.

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