Can I Run Gemma 4 26B-A4B on Apple M1?
Autor: Jakub Rusinowski · Ostatnia aktualizacja: 12 lipca 2026
Not at Q4_K_M — that needs 17 GB at 8K context and the Apple M1 has 12 GB usable. Drop to Q2_K and it fits in 9.8 GB, with up to 64K of context.
Get a personalized upgrade path →
The numbers
| Model | Gemma 4 26B-A4B |
| Parameters | 26B (4B active, MoE) |
| Quantization | Q4_K_M |
| VRAM needed (8K context) | 17 GB |
| Apple M1 usable memory | 12 GB |
| Verdict | Runs at a lower quant |
| Fits at | Q2_K (9.8 GB) |
| Max context | 64K |
Gemma 4 26B-A4B on the Apple M1: VRAM by quantization
| Quant | VRAM needed | Fits 16 GB? | Max context | Whole PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F16 | 53.3 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q8_0 | 28.9 GB | ✗ No | — | Build for this |
| Q6_K | 22.6 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q5_K_M | 19.7 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q4_K_M | 17 GB | ✗ No | — | Build for this |
| Q3_K_M | 12.4 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q2_K | 9.8 GB | ✓ Yes | 64K | — |
Assumes an 8K-token context with an f16 KV cache. A longer window needs more; a quantized KV cache needs less. “Max context” is the largest window that still fits in 16 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 M1: 8K 17 GB ✗ · 32K 17.5 GB ✗ · 128K 19.5 GB ✗. Past 8K it no longer fits 16 GB — a q8_0 KV cache buys roughly half of that back, which the calculator will price for you.
What to do next
Quantize to Q2_K. That is the cheapest fix — it costs some quality but no money.
No compatible GPU? Gemma 4 26B-A4B on 24 GB of system RAM, CPU only: runs.
Running Gemma 4 26B-A4B on this card:
Gemma 4 26B-A4B needs ~17 GB but this GPU has 16 GB. Rent a RTX 4090 (24 GB)-class GPU by the hour instead of buying one:
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.
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 M1
- Gemma 4 31B — does not fit (21.4 GB)
- Gemma 4 12B (Unified) — runs (8.7 GB)
- Gemma 4 E4B — runs (6.4 GB)
- Gemma 4 E2B — runs (4.7 GB)
Gemma 4 26B-A4B on nearby hardware
- Intel Arc B580 (12 GB) — runs at a lower quant
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (20 GB) — runs
All Gemma 4 sizes on the Apple M1 | Gemma 4 26B-A4B model page | Apple M1 GPU page | VRAM calculator | Check your hardware