Apple is preparing to unveil its next generation of computers with the M3 Pro chip, a mid-range chip that promises optimized performance. Thanks to 3 nm engraving, Apple will be able to increase the number of cores and offer new technological innovations to maintain its leadership in the market.
According to information obtained by Apple specialist from Bloomberg, the M3 Pro chip is expected to be launched around the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024. It will be the first PC chip to use the brand new manufacturing node. N3 from TSMC, also called 3 nm.
Unlike previous 4nm engraving improvements, the switch to the N3/3nm node represents a real breakthrough in terms of miniaturization. This new technology promises significant gains in terms of transistor density per mm², energy consumption and frequency increase. Apple intends to take advantage of these advantages by increasing the number of cores of its M3 chip.
According to information collected by Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, the M3 chip will feature two new low-power CPU cores, bringing the total number of CPU cores to 12 (currently, the M2 Pro chip has 6 high-performance cores and 4 low-power cores). The number of GPU cores will increase from 16 to 18 units. Details on a possible evolution of the architecture and the number of NPU cores, which are essential for artificial intelligence algorithms, are not yet known.
It is important to note that the current information is based on a compilation of data and leaks from the AppStore, and therefore does not represent a final version of the M3 chip. Moreover, Apple usually offers several chip models for its devices, which makes the comparison moot. Operating frequencies and other key specs are yet to be disclosed.
3nm etching will allow the M3 chip to offer significant improvements in performance and power efficiency. However, it is still too early to know if these technological advances will have an impact on the price of Apple products equipped with the M3 chip.
At the same time, according to information from Mark Gurman, Apple is already working on new MacBook Air 13 and 15 equipped with the Apple M3 chip, as well as MacBook Pro and a new iMac M3 for next year. These developments demonstrate Apple's ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation.