Apple will launch M3 Pro and M3 Max in mid-2024

Earlier reports suggested that Apple, this year, is set to introduce the M3 chip, slated for the latest MacBook models, developed under TSMC’s pioneering 3nm process node, N3. TSMC reportedly encountered difficulties in the production of their 3nm chips, struggling to enhance the yield rate, which stood at a mere 55% for the M3 chip, although it seemingly has not impeded Apple’s development work on the M3 series chips.

According to Wccftech, Apple is gearing up for the M3 Pro and M3 Max, potentially opting for a mid-2024 release for these two chips to be incorporated into several Mac products, including the forthcoming 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. The new Mac mini may offer the M3 Pro as its highest-end option, eschewing the M3 Max, despite sufficient power supply and thermal capabilities.

Both the Apple M3 Pro and M3 Max are set to employ TSMC’s 3nm process node. Apple is awaiting a higher yield rate and increased production capacity to minimize manufacturing costs, possibly choosing TSMC’s newer N3E process rather than the N3 or N3B.

The precise specifications for the M3 Pro and M3 Max remain nebulous at this point, but prior reports suggest that Apple’s developers are running tests on systems based on the M3 Pro to ensure compatibility with third-party applications. The CPU is equipped with 12 cores, comprising 6 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores, while the GPU has 18 cores, complemented by an onboard 36GB of memory. The M3 Max will, undeniably, possess higher specifications, rumored to boast 14 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores.

Worth noting is the increased count of efficiency cores in the M3 Pro, leading to speculation that Apple may earmark this chip for larger iPad Pro models.