M4 Deep Dive - Apple's First Armv9 Processor

Summary

Apple's new M4 processor, introduced in the iPad Pro, boasts up to 10 cores with enhanced performance and efficiency cores, featuring improved branch prediction and deeper execution engines. The M4 integrates Next-Generation ML accelerators within its CPU, supporting ARMv9.4 architecture, marking Apple's first venture into this territory. Geekbench scores indicate a significant leap in performance for the M4, especially when compared to its predecessors. The device also includes a 10-core GPU with dynamic caching and hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Speculations on future M4 variants and its potential integration into iPhones are also discussed.

Takeaways

• 🍏 Apple has introduced the new M4 processor, which is initially being used in an iPad Pro rather than a MacBook or MacBook Air.
• 🔍 The M4 processor features up to 10 cores, with configurations of up to four performance cores and six efficiency cores, an upgrade from the M3's 4+4 setup.
• 🚀 Enhanced features of the M4 include improved branch prediction, wider decode and execution for performance cores, and a deeper execution engine for efficiency cores.
• 🌟 A significant highlight is the inclusion of Next Generation ML accelerators within the CPU, which is crucial for tasks involving machine learning, computer vision, and scientific simulations.
• ⚠️ Consumers should be aware that not all M4 processors come with 10 cores; some may have nine, and this isn't always clear in Apple's marketing materials.
• 💾 The 10-core version of the M4 is only available with 1 terabyte of storage and 16 gigabytes of RAM, which may be a limitation for some users.
• 🛠️ The M4's microarchitecture has been improved with features like scalable Matrix extensions, which are part of the ARM v9.4 architecture and not available in ARM v8.
• 📊 Geekbench scores indicate that the M4, especially the 10-core version, shows a significant leap in performance over previous generations like the M1, M2, and M3.
• ⏱️ The M4 operates at a boosted clock speed of 4.4 GHz, which contributes to its improved performance compared to its predecessors.
• 📈 When comparing the M4 to competitors like the Snapdragon X+ and X Elite, the M4 shows promising performance, but actual power efficiency and real-world testing will provide a clearer picture.
• 🎮 The M4 also includes a new 10-core GPU, which builds on the M3's graphics architecture and includes features like dynamic caching and hardware-accelerated ray tracing.

Q & A

What is the new M4 processor from Apple used in?

The new M4 processor from Apple is used in an iPad Pro, rather than a MacBook, MacBook Air, or similar devices.

What is the core configuration of the M4 processor?

The M4 processor has up to 10 cores, consisting of up to four performance cores and six efficiency cores, which is an upgrade from the M3's 4+4 core configuration.

What is the significance of the enhanced Next Generation ML accelerators in the M4 processor?

The enhanced Next Generation ML accelerators in the M4 processor are crucial as they facilitate hardware-accelerated matrix operations, beneficial for scientific simulations, computer vision, and machine learning.

How does the M4 processor's core configuration affect its availability in different iPad Pro models?

The M4 processor with a 10-core configuration is only available in the iPad Pro model with one terabyte of storage and 16 gigabytes of RAM. The nine-core version is available in models with less storage and RAM.

What is the clock speed of both the nine-core and ten-core versions of the M4 processor?

Both the nine-core and ten-core versions of the M4 processor have a boosted clock speed of 4.4 GHz.

What is the difference in microarchitecture between the M1, M2, M3, and M4 processors?

Each processor (M1, M2, M3, M4) has a different internal microarchitecture. The M4 notably includes improved branch prediction, wider decode and execution for performance cores, and a deeper execution engine for efficiency cores, as well as NextGen ML accelerators.

What does the M4 processor's Geekbench scores indicate about its performance compared to its predecessors?

The M4 processor's Geekbench scores show a significant leap in performance, especially when comparing single-threaded scores normalized by clock speed, indicating improved microarchitecture beyond just increased clock speeds.

How does the M4 processor compare to the Snapdragon X+ and Snapdragon X Elite in terms of performance?

While the Snapdragon X+ and X Elite have not yet been tested in laptops, their scores suggest they may outperform the M4 in raw multi-threaded performance, but actual power efficiency and thermal performance will be crucial for real-world comparison.

What new features does the M4 processor's GPU have?

The M4 processor's GPU features a new 10-core design that builds on the M3's architecture, including dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and mesh shading.

What are some possible future variations of the M4 processor that Apple might introduce?

Possible future variations of the M4 processor could include an M4 Pro with more cores, and an M4 Max with even higher core counts. There is also speculation about the A18 chip for iPhones potentially incorporating Arm v9 architecture.