Can I Run Gemma 4 12B (Unified) on Apple M4?
Written by Jakub Rusinowski · Last updated July 12, 2026
Yes. Gemma 4 12B (Unified) needs 9.4 GB at 8K context (7.2 GB weights + 2.2 GB KV cache/overhead) at Q4_K_M and the Apple M4 has 24 GB usable, leaving about 14.6 GB of headroom, at roughly 8 tok/s (estimated) with room for up to 64K of context.
See what else this hardware can run →
The numbers
| Model | Gemma 4 12B (Unified) |
| Parameters | 12B |
| Quantization | Q4_K_M |
| VRAM needed (8K context) | 9.4 GB |
| Apple M4 usable memory | 24 GB |
| Verdict | Runs |
| Max context | 64K |
| Estimated speed | ~8 tok/s |
Gemma 4 12B (Unified) on the Apple M4: VRAM by quantization
| Quant | VRAM needed | Fits 32 GB? | Max context | Whole PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F16 | 26.1 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q8_0 | 14.9 GB | ✓ Yes | 32K | — |
| Q6_K | 11.9 GB | ✓ Yes | 64K | — |
| Q5_K_M | 10.6 GB | ✓ Yes | 64K | — |
| Q4_K_M | 9.4 GB | ✓ Yes | 64K | — |
| Q3_K_M | 7.2 GB | ✓ Yes | 64K | — |
| Q2_K | 6.1 GB | ✓ Yes | 64K | — |
Assumes an 8K-token context with an f16 KV cache, on an estimated architecture — this model publishes no config we can read. A longer window needs more; a quantized KV cache needs less. “Max context” is the largest window that still fits in 32 GB of unified memory. Figures are estimates from parameter count, quantization and memory bandwidth — the analyzer lets you tune KV-cache quant and context.
Context costs VRAM too. At Q4_K_M on the Apple M4: 8K 9.4 GB · 32K 13.3 GB · 125K 28.5 GB ✗. Past 125K it no longer fits 32 GB — a q8_0 KV cache buys roughly half of that back, which the calculator will price for you.
What to do next
Nothing to change — run it at Q4_K_M. If you want more capability, check whether the next size up also fits.
No compatible GPU? Gemma 4 12B (Unified) on 16 GB of system RAM, CPU only: runs, but it is tight.
Running Gemma 4 12B (Unified) on this card:
Gemma 4 12B (Unified) needs ~9 GB but this GPU has 32 GB. Rent a RTX 4090 (24 GB)-class GPU by the hour instead of buying one:
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Cloud rates verified 2026-07 — estimates, and marketplace prices vary. Buying price is GPU MSRP only, not a full PC.
Other Gemma 4 sizes on the Apple M4
- Gemma 4 31B — runs (21.3 GB)
- Gemma 4 26B-A4B — runs (18.2 GB)
- Gemma 4 E4B — runs (6.4 GB)
- Gemma 4 E2B — runs (4.7 GB)
Gemma 4 12B (Unified) on nearby hardware
- Apple M2 (24 GB) — runs
- Apple M3 Pro (36 GB) — runs
All Gemma 4 sizes on the Apple M4 | Gemma 4 12B (Unified) model page | Apple M4 GPU page | VRAM calculator | Check your hardware