Not surprisingly, Apple is rumored to be working on an M2 chip for its desktop and notebook computers. Sources have also indicated that Apple may be looking even further down the line, and is thought to be developing an M3 iMac.
Recently, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman highlighted Apple’s anticipated roadmap for the M2 chip. Gurman pointed out that the M2 chip could be expected to arrive in the MacBook Air, an entry-level MacBook Pro, and a Mac mini. Gurman also suggested the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips would come in 14-inch 16-inch MacBook Pro models. On top of that, he predicts a dual M2 ultra chip for the Mac Pro.
The latest word from the rumor mill has stated that an M3-based iMac is also in the works. This comes at a time when Apple has not updated the iMac for quite some time, and quietly discontinued the 27-inch iMac at the same time that it unveiled the Mac Studio and Apple Studio Display.
Gurman indicated that the M3 iMac could be in development, but that he doesn’t believe it will launch until the end of 2023 at the earliest.
It’s thought that the M2 will have the same 8-core CPU as the M1, but with improvements in speed and efficiency. The chip is expected to take advantage of TSMC’s 4-nanometer production process, and the M3 can be expected to feature more GPU cores than the M2, to the tune of 9- and 10-core GPU options. The M1, on the other hand, only offers 7- and 8-core GPU options.
The M3 could see significantly more CPU and GPU cores, as well as be built on TSMC’s 3-nanometer process, which will offer even more significant power and efficiency improvements. Some sources say that chips built on the 3-nanometer process will feature up to four dies, which could support a total of 40 CPU cores.
This all boils down into a bit of a waiting game until Apple reveals exactly what to expect. With WWDC right around the corner in June, it’s thought that two or three new Macs will be unveiled at the developers conference. Apple’s fall event could introduce additional models of Mac notebooks and desktops, which should arrive in time for the holidays.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via The Mac Observer and Bloomberg