Quick Verdict
A custom 28W Intel chip for Apple that offered an excellent balance of performance and efficiency in the 13-inch MacBook Pro, though now superseded by Apple Silicon.
Overview
Launch
2019
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
10th Gen Core i7
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-1068NG7 is a specialized 10th Gen mobile processor launched in August 2019. Based on the 10nm Ice Lake-U architecture, it was uniquely tailored for Apple's MacBook Pro lineup. The 'N' in its designation denotes its exclusive availability for Apple products. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at a higher 28-watt TDP compared to standard 15W Ice Lake chips. This allows for a higher base clock of 2.3 GHz and a boost clock of up to 4.1 GHz. With 8MB of L3 cache and Intel Iris Plus Graphics, it delivers robust performance for both CPU and GPU-intensive tasks. The processor supports LPDDR4 memory and includes Intel's DLBoost for AI acceleration. Its 28W TDP strikes a balance between the low-power U-series and the higher-performance H-series, making it ideal for Apple's compact 13-inch MacBook Pro. It provided a significant upgrade over previous dual-core Mac models.
The Intel Core i7-1068NG7 is a specialized 10th Gen mobile processor built for Apple. Featuring 4 cores and 8 threads, it operates at a 28W TDP, allowing for higher sustained clock speeds than standard U-series chips. With Iris Plus Graphics and Intel DLBoost, it delivered strong performance for the 13-inch MacBook Pro before the Apple Silicon transition.
Specifications
Performance
High sustained clocks make it excellent for professional workflows.
Good for running Windows VMs on macOS.
Iris Plus graphics handle macOS games and light Steam titles well.
10nm process ensures good battery life despite the 28W TDP.
- •Iris Plus 64 EUs offer good performance
- •Suitable for light gaming on macOS
- •Not a dedicated gaming machine
- •Intel DLBoost provides AI acceleration
- •AVX-512 support
Architecture
10nm
Process Node
Ice Lake-U
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
8 MB
L3 Cache
28 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-1068NG7 utilizes the Sunny Cove microarchitecture on Intel's 10nm process. The key differentiator is its 28-watt TDP configuration, which provides more thermal headroom than standard 15W Ice Lake-U processors. This allows the CPU to maintain higher sustained clock speeds, resulting in better multi-threaded performance. The architecture includes 4 cores with Hyper-Threading, yielding 8 concurrent threads. It integrates Intel's Gen 11 Iris Plus Graphics with 64 execution units, offering substantial graphical horsepower for an integrated solution. The architecture also features support for the AVX-512 instruction set and Intel DLBoost, accelerating AI and machine learning workloads. Memory support includes dual-channel LPDDR4 at 3733 MT/s, ensuring high bandwidth for the integrated GPU. This architecture was specifically tuned in collaboration with Apple to meet the thermal and performance requirements of the 13-inch MacBook Pro chassis.
CPU Design
4 cores with Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel LPDDR4 support.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- Move to 10nm process
- Better IPC and efficiency
- Massive leap in integrated graphics performance
Key Highlights
- High sustained performance for a mobile chip
- Iris Plus Graphics with 64 EUs
- Excellent for macOS productivity
- Good balance of power and efficiency
- End-of-life platform
- Apple Silicon is vastly superior
- Soldered and non-upgradable
- Can run warm under heavy load
History
Introduced on August 1, 2019, the Core i7-1068NG7 was part of a select group of Intel processors manufactured exclusively for Apple. Originally designated as the i7-1068G7, the 'N' was added to signify its custom nature. It was deployed in the 2020 refresh of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, offering a significant performance upgrade over the previous dual-core models.
This launch occurred during a critical period when Apple was beginning to evaluate its transition away from Intel processors toward its own Apple Silicon. The i7-1068NG7 represented the pinnacle of Intel's Ice Lake offerings for Mac users, providing quad-core performance and Iris Plus graphics. Although it was eventually superseded by Apple's M1 chip, which offered dramatically better efficiency and performance, the 1068NG7 remains a significant part of Apple's Intel-era history, delivering solid performance for professional workflows in a compact form factor.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Move to 10nm process
- Better IPC and efficiency
- Massive leap in integrated graphics performance
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
If you are considering purchasing a used 13-inch MacBook Pro with the Core i7-1068NG7, it is important to weigh its pros and cons carefully. This processor offers excellent performance for everyday tasks, programming, and light video editing. The 28W TDP ensures it can sustain high clock speeds better than standard ultrabook chips. However, you must be aware that Apple has transitioned entirely to its own M-series silicon, meaning Intel-based Macs will eventually lose software support and optimization. It is recommended only if you can find one at a highly discounted price and you specifically need x86 architecture for legacy applications or Boot Camp. Avoid paying anywhere near the original retail price. For most users, an M1 MacBook Air will offer significantly better battery life, cooler operation, and faster overall performance.
Avoid if…
- You want the best battery life
- You are paying close to retail price
- You don't specifically need x86/Boot Camp
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'N' in the name specifically denotes it is an Apple-exclusive SKU.
It was originally designated as the i7-1068G7 before the N was added.
It has a 28W TDP, higher than the standard 15W U-series chips.
It was deployed in the 2020 refresh of the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
It supports Intel DLBoost for AI acceleration.
The chip uses the BGA 1344 socket, unique to Apple motherboards.
It features 64 execution units of Iris Plus graphics.
Its base clock of 2.3 GHz is significantly higher than the 1065G7's 1.3 GHz.
It was one of the last Intel processors used in the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
It supports the AVX-512 instruction set.
People Also Ask
What does the N mean in i7-1068NG7?
The 'N' indicates that it is a custom SKU manufactured exclusively for Apple.
Is the i7-1068NG7 good for video editing?
Yes, its 28W TDP and Iris Plus graphics make it quite capable for 1080p and light 4K editing in Final Cut Pro.
What is the TDP of the i7-1068NG7?
It has a 28-watt TDP, higher than standard 15W U-series processors.
Is the i7-1068NG7 better than the M1?
No, the Apple M1 chip significantly outperforms the i7-1068NG7 in both efficiency and raw performance.
What Mac uses the i7-1068NG7?
It was used in the 2020 refresh of the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
Can I run Boot Camp on an i7-1068NG7 Mac?
Yes, since it is an Intel-based Mac, it fully supports Boot Camp and Windows.
What is the base clock of the i7-1068NG7?
It has a high base clock of 2.3 GHz.
Does the i7-1068NG7 have Iris Plus graphics?
Yes, it features Intel Iris Plus Graphics with 64 execution units.
Is the i7-1068NG7 unlocked?
No, it is a locked processor.
What generation is the i7-1068NG7?
It is a 10th Generation Intel Core processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Core i7-1068NG7 released?
It was released on August 1, 2019.
How many cores does the i7-1068NG7 have?
It features 4 cores and 8 threads.
What socket does the i7-1068NG7 use?
It uses the BGA 1344 socket.
Does the i7-1068NG7 support DDR4?
Yes, it supports LPDDR4 memory up to 3733 MT/s.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-1068NG7?
It can boost up to 4.1 GHz.
What is the L3 cache size of the i7-1068NG7?
It has 8MB of L3 cache.
Is the i7-1068NG7 good for gaming?
It can handle light gaming on macOS, but it is not a gaming processor.
Does the i7-1068NG7 have AI acceleration?
Yes, it features Intel DLBoost for AI workloads.
Can the i7-1068NG7 run Windows 11?
Yes, via Boot Camp on supported Macs.
What manufacturing process is the i7-1068NG7 built on?
It is built on Intel's 10nm process.