Apple is reportedly working on a new chip for its Mac lineup, known as M3 Max, that will offer unprecedented performance and memory capacity. According to a report by Bloomberg, the M3 Max chip will feature 40 GPU cores, increasing the number of cores in the current M2 Max chip, and up to 48GB of RAM, which is more than the maximum RAM supported by the M2 Max.
The M3 Max chip is expected to power the next-generation MacBook Pro and iMac models, as well as a new Mac Pro desktop that will replace the Intel-based version. The report claims that the M2 Max chip will be manufactured using TSMC's 3-nanometer process, which will provide better power efficiency and performance than the 5-nanometer process used for the M2 and M2 Max chips.
The M3 Max chip will also support more external displays and ports than the M2 Max chip, which is limited to four Thunderbolt 4 ports and two external displays. The report does not specify how many displays and ports the M3 Max chip will support, but it suggests that it will be comparable to the Intel-based Mac Pro, which can support up to six displays and has eight Thunderbolt 3 ports.
The report also mentions that Apple is developing a new version of its macOS operating system that will take advantage of the M3 Max chip's capabilities. The new macOS version will feature improved graphics and gaming performance, as well as enhanced support for virtual reality and augmented reality applications.
New Line Up of Processors and MacBook's
Apple has not officially announced the M3 Max chip or its release date, but the report indicates that it could debut in late 2024 or early 2025. The M3 Max chip will be part of Apple's ongoing transition from Intel-based processors to its own custom-designed chips, which began in 2020 with the launch of the M1 chip. Apple claims that its chips offer superior performance, battery life, and security than Intel's chips, and that they enable a seamless integration between its hardware and software products.
As I reported in June, a new line of MacBook's will usher in the new M3 chipset. Apple is reportedly planning to launch a new MacBook Air in 2024 that will be powered by the company's next-generation M3 chip. The new MacBook Air is expected to feature a thinner and lighter design than the current model, as well as a new flat-edge design similar to the 24-inch iMac.
The 2024 MacBook Air is also expected to feature a new 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a larger trackpad, and a MagSafe charging port. The new MacBook Air is also expected to be available in a variety of colors, including silver, space gray, gold, and blue.
