Apple’s M2 series represents the second generation of Apple Silicon chips, building on the groundbreaking M1 architecture that debuted in 2020. Manufactured using TSMC’s enhanced 5-nanometer process (N5P), the M2 family chips feature approximately 20 billion transistors—about 25% more than the M1—while maintaining the power efficiency that Apple Silicon is renowned for.
Normalized Combined Performance Across Families
Rather than adopting a smaller manufacturing node, the M2 architecture emphasizes refinements such as higher clock speeds and expanded GPU capabilities, achieving up to 18% CPU and 35% GPU performance gains over the M1, according to Apple.
The M2 family comprises four distinct variants: M2 Base, M2 Pro, M2 Max, and M2 Ultra, each scaling in power and capability. The Base M2 offers an 8-core CPU (4 performance cores + 4 efficiency cores) and up to a 10-core GPU, paired with unified memory bandwidth of 100 GB/s.
The M2 Pro increases performance significantly, delivering up to a 12-core CPU (8 performance + 4 efficiency) and a 19-core GPU with 200 GB/s memory bandwidth. Stepping up further, the M2 Max provides up to a 38-core GPU and doubles the memory bandwidth to 400 GB/s, supporting up to 96 GB of unified memory.
At the top end, the M2 Ultra combines two M2 Max dies using Apple’s UltraFusion technology, featuring a 24-core CPU (16 performance + 8 efficiency cores), up to a 76-core GPU, and an extraordinary 800 GB/s of memory bandwidth supporting up to 192 GB unified memory.
Our aggregated Geekbench benchmark data closely aligns with publicly available benchmarks, confirming the consistency and reliability of performance measurements across different sources. For instance, our data shows single-core scores for the M2 Base at 2,656, closely matching public averages of approximately 2,600–2,700.
Similarly, our multi-core score of 14,624 for the M2 Pro aligns precisely within the expected range of around 14,400–14,800, underscoring the accuracy of our internal testing methodologies. GPU Metal performance is equally consistent, with our M2 Max GPU score of 13,9633 closely matching the public average range of about 135,000–142,000.
(We believe these validations reinforce the credibility and reliability of our dataset.)
Each M2 variant addresses specific user needs and excels in distinct workloads. The M2 Base, ideal for everyday computing, excels in ultralight laptops like the MacBook Air and tablets like the iPad Pro, delivering exceptional efficiency and balanced performance.
The M2 Pro suits power users, developers, and multimedia creators needing more robust multi-threaded performance, now accessible even in compact form factors like the Mac Mini. The M2 Max specifically targets intensive creative workflows such as professional video editing, 3D modeling, and high-performance computing, combining ample GPU power and expansive unified memory.
The flagship M2 Ultra meets the demands of extreme professional environments, excelling in video production, advanced simulations, and AI-driven applications, offering workstation-level capabilities within Apple’s desktop lineup.
The M2 series occupies a pivotal role within Apple’s broader silicon roadmap, effectively bridging the groundbreaking innovation of the M1 chips and the subsequent transition to the 3nm-based M3 series. The M2 provided essential performance upgrades, expanding Apple’s chip versatility to an even wider audience and strengthening their position in performance-per-watt leadership.
Interestingly, our testing data (and other sources) revealed that in specific benchmarks, particularly GPU-related tasks, the M2 Pro can outperform its newer counterpart, the M3 Pro, highlighting the strength and optimization of Apple’s second-generation silicon.
Normalized Combined Performance Across Families
As we reflect on the Apple Silicon journey, the M2 represents not merely an incremental upgrade but a significant maturation of Apple’s SoC capabilities, ensuring robust performance, energy efficiency, and a clear path toward future advancements in Apple’s ongoing commitment to silicon excellence.
Checkout a 3 way comparison between low, mid, and high end M2 Macs.