A disappointing rumor is claiming that Apple does not plan to unveil the M3 later this year. The successor to the M2 would be the first chipset from the company to be mass produced on TSMC’s 3nm process and found in future MacBook and iPad models. Apparently, we will see it during an undisclosed month in 2024.
Rumor does not mention the A17 Bionic delay, suggesting that with the ongoing yield issues, Apple was forced to make a choice with the M3
A previous report stated that TSMC was experiencing trouble in meeting chip demand for Apple’s upcoming M3 and A17 Bionic. According to a tweet from Revegnus, yield issues are the main culprit as to why the Taiwanese firm is unable to provide an adequate supply of custom silicon to Apple. With that being said, it is possible that we do not see new MacBook models later this year, which can include the 13-inch model sporting the Touch Bar, followed by redesigned MacBook Air in two display sizes.
The tipster also mentions that no iPad models featuring the M3 would be released this year either. Looking at Apple’s launch timeline, updated iPad Pro versions always launch several months after the new MacBooks, meaning that those high-end tablets were already originally planned for a 2024 release. Apple is said to switch to OLED technology next year when unveiling the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, so these two models will likely feature the M3.
https://twitter.com/Tech_Reve/status/1653641879249092609?t=9aleTSmMtNyBAUjV2fk65g&s=08
So does the delay of the M3 mean that the A17 Bionic will also not materialize later this year since that chipset is also said to be mass produced on TSMC’s 3nm technology? Not quite, as there is a sliver of hope. It is possible that Apple was forced to make a choice between delaying the A17 Bionic and M3, and given that the California-based firm sells more iPhones each year than any Mac or iPad combined, delaying the iPhone SoC would likely do more harm to its overall revenue.
Lots of readers patiently waiting to upgrade to a new Mac sporting the M3 will be disheartened when hearing this, but we still advise them to treat this rumor with a pinch of salt. There is the possibility that TSMC will pick up production in the second half of 2023, which may result in positive news later in the year, so stay tuned for more updates.
News Source: Revegnus
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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