Apple Allegedly Trialing M3 Processors for Upcoming Fall Mac Releases
Apple Gears Up for Hardware Push Amid Mac Sales Dip
Apple is reportedly fast-tracking its hardware releases as Mac sales wane post-pandemic boom. Recent findings from Bloomberg suggest that Apple is vigorously testing the M3 chip, hinting at the launch of the first Macs equipped with this new Apple Silicon as soon as this October. The high-end variant, dubbed the M3 Max, is set to outperform its predecessor, the M2 Max, featuring more high-performance CPU cores and graphical cores.
A slew of devices, including new iMacs, 13-inch MacBook Pros, 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs, and Mac minis, all powered by the M3 chip, are reportedly in the pipeline for release in the coming year. However, those anticipating updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models might have to hold their horses until 2024.
The tech giant’s recent shifts in product launches suggest an assertive strategy to reinvigorate its Mac sales, which saw a surge during the pandemic but have since tapered off. Despite the introduction of a 15-inch MacBook Air this past June and refreshed MacBook Pro and Mac mini models in January, Apple seems poised to drop more new Mac hardware come fall. Insights from the company’s latest earnings call indicate a hiatus in new Mac releases until the fiscal fourth quarter concludes in September. Nevertheless, an October product unveiling appears to be in the works, as per Bloomberg.
Diving deeper into the technicalities, the base M3 chip is slated to mirror the M2’s configuration, boasting eight processor cores and up to ten graphical cores. The M3 Pro, on the other hand, starts with 12 CPU cores and 18 graphical cores. Preliminary test results hint at the M3 Max encompassing a whopping 16 CPU cores and 40 graphics cores. However, it’s essential to note that these are test configurations, and the final consumer products might vary.
In terms of processing, the M3 chip is rumored to transition to TSMC’s advanced 3-nanometer process, expected to offer enhanced performance and efficiency, stepping up from the 5nm process utilized in the M2. The 3nm process is also anticipated for the A17 chip, set to power the upcoming iPhone 15 series.
