As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is in the advanced stages of testing its new M3 Max silicon chip. This chip is projected to succeed the M2 Max and is likely to be featured in upcoming MacBook Pro versions scheduled for release next year.
Evidence of the new chip was unearthed by an independent Mac software developer within testing logs. Preliminary details suggest that the chip will encompass a 40-core GPU and a 16-core CPU, split between 12 high-performance cores and four designed for efficiency. To provide a point of comparison, the existing M2 Max chip houses a 12-core CPU and a 38-core GPU. The prototype device in which this chip was tested comes with 48GB of memory. However, considering the current MacBook Pro offers memory up to 96GB, it’s plausible to expect even larger memory configurations for this upcoming model.
Technological enhancements are not just confined to the core counts. The M3 Max chip is anticipated to utilize an advanced 3-nanometer manufacturing process, which should offer notable speed and efficiency upgrades over the M2 Max variant. Current tests are being conducted on a yet-to-be-released premium MacBook Pro, which insiders refer to by the codename “J514.”
The M3 Max represents the pinnacle of a three-tier chip lineup that also includes the standard M3 and the M3 Pro. Specifications hint that the M3 version will incorporate an 8-core CPU and a GPU with up to 10 cores. In contrast, the M3 Pro will come equipped with a 12-core CPU and an 18-core GPU.
Apple’s initial M3-powered Macs are projected to debut in October. The emphasis, however, will likely be on devices integrated with the basic M3 chip, including models like the 13-inch MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air. Meanwhile, MacBook Pro versions spanning 14 and 16 inches, featuring the superior M3 Max chip, are slated for a 2024 release.
