There is a possibility that Apple will unveil the M3 later this year, with a new report stating that the more powerful variants of the chipset, the M3 Pro and M3 Max, will launch in the middle of 2024 and will be designed for several Macs. Sadly, the specifications of the two high-end SoCs were not discussed, but that does not mean we do not have information regarding that.
New M3 Pro and M3 Max to likely be present in updated MacBook Pro models, and Mac mini
In the latest ‘Power On’ newsletter from Mark Gurman that MacRumors spotted, the Bloomberg reporter believes that the M3 Pro and M3 Max will not only be found in the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models but also in the Mac mini. Though the newsletter did not talk about exact specifications, it is likely that the Mac mini may only be configured with an M3 Pro just like its predecessor, with the base model offering the M3. We still find it strange that the current Mac mini cannot be configured with the M2 Max, given that it features ample cooling capabilities.
The M3 Pro and M3 Max will also be Apple’s first high-end custom silicon to be mass-produced on TSMC’s 3nm process and found in future Macs, just like the M3. However, there are reports that the Taiwanese manufacturer can only reach yields of 55 percent on its cutting-edge technology, meaning that the SoCs could be in limited supply when officially launched. Though the company’s wafer output is said to reach up to 100,000 units by the end of 2023, it is possible that a switch from the N3B to N3E process is required to reduce the production cost, increase yields and meet demand.
Also, Gurman did not touch on the specifications of the M3 Pro and M3 Max, but according to his previous predictions, Apple is working on a 12-core CPU with an 18-core GPU and support for up to 36GB of unified RAM. Keep in mind that these cores belong to the M3 Pro, as Gurman has not yet provided the specifications surrounding the M3 Max, so we will have to wait on that. One interesting thing to note is that Apple could add more efficiency cores to the M3 Pro when the SoC launches next year, meaning that the 12-core CPU configuration could offer eight performance cores and four power-efficiency ones.
While Gurman did not offer his insights as to why Apple would make this decision, it is possible that this choice was made because this M3 Pro may also be found in a larger 14.1-inch iPad Pro to help buyers distinguish between the bigger tablet and the 12.9-inch one. Of course, this is just a rumor, so our readers should treat it with a pinch of salt, and as always, we will be back with more updates.
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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