Apple M6 VS Apple M5 (10-Core)
We are comparing the Apple M6 (Apple) with the Apple M5 (10-Core) (Apple). Scroll down to the pros and cons of each processor, in-depth specs, and benchmark comparisons.
Overall Comparison
KEY DIFFERENCES OF Apple M6 AND Apple M5 (10-Core)
Here’s how Apple M6 and Apple M5 (10-Core) stack up against each other in their most impactful areas.
Reasons to consider the Apple M6
-
20% more CPU threads (12 vs 10)
-
20% more CPU cores (12 vs 10)
-
50% more performance-core threads (6 vs 4)
-
50% more performance cores (6 vs 4)
-
11% more memory bandwidth (170 GB/s vs 153 GB/s)
-
33% smaller manufacturing process (2 nm vs 3 nm)
Reasons to consider the Apple M5 (10-Core)
-
More advanced instruction set support (ARMV9)
SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Apple M6 AND Apple M5 (10-Core)
Below is the detailed specification table comparing Apple M6 and Apple M5 (10-Core).
Note: Highlighted specs mean that CPU wins that spec row.
If neither side is highlighted, it is a tie or there is not enough data for both specs.
| Specification | Apple M6 | Apple M5 (10-Core) |
|---|---|---|
|
General Information
|
||
| CPU Name: | Apple M6 | Apple M5 (10-Core) |
| Vendor: | Apple | Apple |
| Release Date: | August 25, 2026 | October 15, 2025 |
| Generation: | M6 | — |
| Type: | Desktop | Laptop |
| Instruction Set: | ARM64 | ARMv9 |
| Codename: | — | Apple M5 |
| Foundry: | TSMC | — |
|
Package and Thermals
|
||
| Manufacturing Process: | 2 nm | 3 nm |
| Transistor Count: | — | 28 billion |
| TDP (PL1): | — | 27 W |
| Socket: | Apple M-Socket | Apple M-Socket |
| Max Temp (TJMax): | — | 100 C |
|
CPU Cores
|
||
|
Total Cores
|
||
| Total Cores | 12 | 10 |
| Total Threads | 12 | 10 |
|
P-Cores
|
||
| P-Cores | 6 | 4 |
| P-Threads | 6 | 4 |
| P-Core Base Frequency | — | 4610 MHz |
|
E-Cores
|
||
| E-Cores | 6 | 6 |
| E-Threads | 6 | 6 |
| E-Core Base Frequency | — | 3000 MHz |
|
NPU
|
||
| NPU |
|
|
|
Cache and Bus
|
||
| Multiplier | Locked | Locked |
| L1 Cache | — | 192 KB |
| L2 Cache | — | 16 MB |
|
Memory Support
|
||
| Memory Types: | Unified Memory | LPDDR5X-9600 |
| Max Memory Size: | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory Channels: | — | 8 |
| Max Memory Bandwidth: | 170 GB/s | 153 GB/s |
| ECC Support: |
|
|
| Technologies: | 2 Super Cores, 4 Performance Cores, 6 Efficiency Cores, Dual 16-core Neural Engine, Neural Accelerators | N/A |
|
Benchmarks
|
||
|
Geekbench V6
|
||
| Multi-Core | — | 17862 |
| Single-Core | — | 4276 |
| File Compression | — | 1790 |
| Clang Compression | — | 138 |
| HTML5 Browser | — | 427 |
| PDF Renderer | — | 431 |
| Text Processing | — | 421 |
| Background Blur | — | 79 |
| Photo Processing | — | 156 |
| Ray Tracing | — | 22 |
|
PassMark CPU
|
||
| Multi-Core | — | 27718 |
| Single-Core | — | 5803 |
| Integer Math | — | 57400 |
| Floating Point | — | 78200 |
| Prime Numbers | — | 335 |
| String Sorting | — | 36400 |
| Data Encryption | — | 17300 |
| Data Compression | — | 313000 |
| Physics | — | 3338 |
| Extended Instructions | — | 16100 |
|
Cinebench 2024
|
||
| Multi-Core | — | 1183 |
| Single-Core | — | 208 |
|
Blender
|
||
| Render Score | — | 276 |
Tip: ▲ indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while ▼ indicates a lower-is-better advantage.
PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Apple M6 AND Apple M5 (10-Core)
The charts below visualize how Apple M6 and Apple M5 (10-Core) stack up in key performance metrics.
Performance Radar Chart
Performance Benchmarks
Release Timeline of Apple M6 and Apple M5 (10-Core)
Apple M5 (10-Core) was released 10 months, 10 days earlier than Apple M6.
Value For Money Calculator
Prices use available launch or current data. Enter your own prices to see which CPU gives better value.
Apple M6
Apple M5 (10-Core)
Calculating...
Domain Score Summary
Scores are generated by Comparigon's scoring algorithm and are intended as a high-level guide. They may not map 1-to-1 with the individual spec-by-spec comparisons shown in the table.
Our Verdict
In conclusion, the Apple M6 has a narrow overall lead compared to the Apple M5 (10-Core). Its strongest advantages are in Multi-Core Performance and CPU Architecture. The Apple M5 (10-Core) is the better fit if your top priority is Memory Architecture.
Try to Compare Again One of These CPUs With Another CPU
Pick which CPU to keep, then search for the other CPU to compare.
Disclaimer: Specs, pricing, and benchmarks are sourced from official manufacturer data and verified test results. While we strive for precision, product details and pricing may change. Comparigon may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases.