Apple M4The Apple M4 is a series of ARM-based systems on a chip made by Apple, part of the Apple silicon series, including a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), and a digital signal processor (DSP). The M4 SoC was introduced in May 2024 for the iPad Pro (7th generation), and is the fourth generation of the M series Apple silicon architecture, succeeding the Apple M3.
MacBook Pro (Apple silicon)Current line of high-end notebook computers by AppleThe MacBook Pro with Apple silicon is a line of business-oriented notebook computers in the Mac series introduced in November 2020 by Apple. It is Apple's professional notebook, sitting above the entry-level MacBook Neo and mid-range MacBook Air. As of 2026, it is sold with 14-and-16-inch (360 and 410 mm) screens. All models use Apple-designed M-series systems on a chip.
ARM architecture familyARM (stylised in lowercase as arm) is a family of RISC instruction set architectures for computer processors. Arm Holdings develops the instruction set architecture and licenses it to other companies, who build the physical devices that use the instruction set. It also designs and licenses cores that implement these instruction set architectures.
Apple Vision ProThe Apple Vision Pro is a head-worn computer developed by Apple. It was announced on June 5, 2023, at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) and was released first in the US, then in global territories throughout 2024. Apple Vision Pro uses 3D tracking and camera passthrough to give an augmented reality (also known as mixed reality) experience of the user's environment.
Neural processing unitA neural processing unit (NPU), also known as an AI accelerator or deep learning processor, is a class of specialized hardware accelerator or computer system designed to accelerate artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, including artificial neural networks and computer vision. NPU can be standalone, a part of a central processing unit (CPU) or a part of a graphics processing unit (GPU).
Graphics processing unitA graphics processing unit (GPU) is a specialized electronic circuit designed for digital image processing and to accelerate computer graphics, being present either as a component on a discrete graphics card or embedded on motherboards, mobile phones, personal computers, workstations, and game consoles.
IPad ProLine of Apple tablet computers (2015–present)The iPad Pro is a series of tablet computers, positioned as the premium line of Apple's iPad brand. Models run iPadOS, a tablet-optimized fork of the iOS operating system. Early models were distinguished from other iPads by their ability to use the Apple Pencil stylus and their larger screen size.
Central processing unitCentral computer component that executes instructionsThe Core i9-14900KF, a 2023 CPU made by IntelInside a central processing unit: The integrated circuit of Intel's Xeon 3060, first manufactured in 2006A central processing unit (CPU), also known as a central processor, main processor, or simply processor, is the primary processor in a given computer.
Apple siliconSystem-on-chip processors designed by Apple Inc.The A16 Bionic chipApple silicon is a series of system on a chip (SoC) and system in a package (SiP) designs by Apple Inc., primarily using the ARM architecture, along with a range of more specialized chips for other devices and wireless connectivity functions. They are used across nearly all Apple devices, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, AirPods, AirTag, HomePod, and Apple Vision Pro.
System on a chipAn Exynos 4 Quad (4412), on the circuit board of a Samsung Galaxy S III smartphoneA system on a chip, or system on chip (SoC), is an integrated circuit that combines most or all key components of a computer or electronic system onto a single microchip.
Apple Inc.American multinational technology companyApple Inc. is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, in Silicon Valley, and known for consumer electronics, software and online services. Founded in 1976 as Apple Computer Company by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, the company was incorporated by Jobs and Wozniak as Apple Computer, Inc. the following year.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.