Apple Tests Lightning-Fast M3 Chips for Mac Comeback
Updated: Jan 16
[Edited] Apple Inc. is gearing up for the launch of its next set of Macs with M2 chips, but that hasn't stopped the company from already testing its follow-up processor, the M3.
Credit: Apple
The M3 chips are being put through rigorous testing with third-party apps to ensure compatibility with Apple's software ecosystem. This is not the first time Apple has given us a sneak peek at new chips through this process, as they have previously revealed specifications for upcoming Macs.
The M3 chip is expected to help Apple entice customers back to its Mac lineup, as the company's Mac business suffered a 31% sales decline last quarter. The M3 chip in testing reportedly has 12 CPU cores, 18 graphics cores, and 36GB of memory. It is running in a future high-end MacBook Pro with the upcoming macOS 14.0.
In comparison, the entry-level M1 Pro has eight CPU cores, 14 graphics cores, and 32GB of memory, while the M2 Pro has 10 CPU cores, 16 graphics cores, and 32GB of memory. If the M3 chip follows a similar pattern, it would have 12 CPU cores, 18 graphics cores, and 36GB of memory.
The M3 chip is made possible by Apple's switch to a 3-nanometer manufacturing process, which allows for higher-density chips. This means that more cores can be fitted into a smaller processor.
Credit: Apple
It is expected that the first Macs with M3 chips will start arriving towards the end of this year or early next year. In addition to the M3-based iMacs, Apple is also working on high-end and low-end MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs.
In other news, Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook, has shown its true feelings about the Apple Watch.
Meta has pulled its Messenger app from the Apple Watch App Store and launched WhatsApp for WearOS, Google's watch platform. This move indicates that Meta does not see the Apple Watch as a platform it needs to be on.
Apple is also bringing its core pro apps, Final Cut Pro and Logic, to the iPad. The user interface of Final Cut Pro has been designed to be touch-first, making it ideal for in-field edits or high-end content creation. This move could also be a hint at how Apple is adapting these apps for its upcoming mixed-reality headset.
In terms of personnel changes, Pete Distad, the head of Apple's TV+ and sports businesses, is set to exit the company. This marks the third major departure from Apple's services division this year.
Lastly, mark your calendars for WWDC 2023, which will take place from June 5 to June 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The event will feature the keynote address, developer sessions, and the debut of Apple's new headset, along with updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
Apple is testing its M3 chips for future Macs
The M3 chip has 12 CPU cores, 18 graphics cores, and 36GB of memory
Meta Platforms Inc. shows its disinterest in the Apple Watch
Final Cut Pro and Logic are coming to the iPad
Source: Bloomberg