What just happened? Apple is expected to unveil its next-gen MacBook Pro models in 2024, and a new report now reveals some key details about the super-powerful M3 Max chip that's tipped to power those devices. The M3 Max has been rumored for quite some time. If the latest report is anything to go by, it will be a worthy replacement for its predecessor - the M2 Max that powers the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models announced earlier this year.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the M3 Max will be a beast of a processor with 16 CPU cores, comprising 12 high-performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, as well as 40 GPU cores and up to 48GB of unified memory. Gurman further says that Apple has already started testing the new chip with its next-gen MacBook Pro, codenamed J514.
The information reportedly comes from an unnamed third-party Mac app developer, and if accurate, would mean that Apple's next-gen flagship chip would have four more CPU cores and two additional GPU cores compared to the M2 Max. The additional cores are expected to deliver faster performance, especially in multi-threaded apps.
The M3 Max is expected to be manufactured by TSMC using its 3nm process node, meaning it could be both powerful and efficient. The A17 Bionic that's set to power the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro models is also tipped to use similar technology, although Apple is yet to officially confirm anything on that front.
Meanwhile, alongside the M3 Max, Apple is also said to be testing a couple of other chips in the M3 series, including the base model and M3 Pro. While the former could feature the same configuration as the M2, with eight CPU cores and up to 10 GPU cores, the M3 Pro could come with 12 CPU cores and up to 18 GPU cores.
The transition to the M3-series chips could begin this October when Apple is expected to announce the first set of Macs powered by the new processors. Alongside the next-gen 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros, the company is tipped to launch a slew of M3-powered desktops and laptops over the next year, including the updated Mac Mini, an all-new iMac, a 13-inch MacBook Pro, a 13-inch MacBook Air, and a 15-inch MacBook Air. Overall, the next few months are going to be an exciting time for MacBook buyers, as the new devices will likely be a significant step up from the current-generation models.
https://www.techspot.com/news/99719-m3-max-chip-powering-next-gen-macbook-pros.html
