- M3 Pro base configuration to come with 12-core CPU, 18-core GPU, 36 GB of unified memory
- All M3-based chips to be built on new 3-nm manufacturing process
- First M3-based Macs to be unveiled by the end of this year
Apple is in the early testing process of its next-generation M3 chip, with different configurations already appearing in App Store developer logs. The news is according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter.
Guman explains that one configuration is fitted with a 12-core CPU, 18-core GPU, and 36 GB of unified memory. The CPU is comprised of six high-performance cores and six high-efficiency cores and is currently being tested with the upcoming macOS 14.0 update. The quoted chip is likely the base configuration of the M3 Pro chip, Gurman adds, and appears to be designated to upcoming 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models to be unveiled in early 2024.
The M3 chip and its derivatives will be built on a new 3-nanometer manufacturing process, which allows Apple to build denser chips that pack extra CPU and GPU cores. Gurman expects the first M3-based Macs to be unveiled by the end of this year or in early 2024. A new 24-inch iMac alongside updated MacBook Air and entry-level MacBook Pro are all expected to feature the M3 chip.
Gurman is also doubling down on his expectation of a 15-inch MacBook Air to be unveiled in WWDC fitted with the year-old M2 chip. The new laptop is expected to feature a 15.2-inch display with the same resolution as the 14-inch MacBook Pro and is almost certain to feature a better battery life than its smaller brethren.
