Apple Testing M3 Max MacBook Pro Chip With 16-Core CPU, 40-Core GPU: Mark Gurman

Apple unveiled MacBook Air models powered by the company’s M2 chip at its 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. Now, the iPhone maker is expected to launch an M3-powered MacBook Pro next year, and the Cupertino giant is reportedly testing a next-generation M3 Max chip. The upcoming Apple chip is said to include 16 central processing cores (CPU), 40 graphics processing cores (GPU), and up to 48GB of memory. The M3 Max chip has been rumored for some time and could debut as an M2 Max replacement.

According to Bloomberg Report Apple has begun testing its highest-end next-generation laptop processor, speculated to be called the M3 Max, in preparation for the release of a MacBook Pro laptop code-named J514 next year, reports Mark Gurman. Citing test logs from third-party Mac app developers, the report says the new M3 Max chip includes 16 CPU cores (12 of which are high-performance cores and four efficiency cores), 40 GPU cores, and 48GB of RAM.

Compared to the upcoming M2 chip, the new M3 Max reportedly has four more high-performance CPU cores and two additional graphics cores. The extra cores are expected to provide faster performance and improve tasks like video editing and web browsing.

The M3 Max chip is expected to be produced by Apple supplier TSMC based on its 3nm processor technology. Apple will reportedly use similar technology in the A17 Bionic SoC, which is expected to power the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Gurman said Apple is testing different M3 models. The base M3 has the same configuration as the M2, with 8 CPU cores and up to 10 GPU cores, while the M3 Pro chip can pack 12 CPU cores and 18 GPU cores. According to reports, the M3 Max chip is considered a high-end chip, but it has not yet appeared in the test log.

According to Gurman, the transition to the M3 chip will likely begin in October, starting with a refresh of the entry-level Mac models. Apple is reportedly testing an M3-based iMac, 13-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air, and Mac mini models. All of these models are expected to be officially available within the next 12 months. Refreshed versions of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are expected to debut in 2024 with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips.

Mac models with the M3 could be a major selling point for Apple. The company launched the M1 chip in 2020 as its first system-on-a-chip (SoC), replacing an Intel-designed CPU. Over the past two years, however, Apple has expanded its coverage to include the latest iPad Pro and iMac models.