Apple is probably testing several M3 models

Apple has started testing its next generation Mac SoC. According to developers who wanted to remain anonymous, corresponding entries have been appearing in the log files of third-party apps for a few days. This is reported by the financial news agency Bloomberg. Accordingly, there are several models of the new ARM processors, which are probably being manufactured for the first time in the 3 nm process.

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Only an M3 …

First of all, a Mac model called “Mac 15.12” appeared last week, which contained an M3 SoC – with eight CPU cores (apparently four of them performance cores, the rest efficiency cores), ten GPU cores and 24 GB RAM memory. A still unknown version of the next operating system Sonoma runs on the machines, which Apple is apparently already testing internally – macOS 14.1. The specifications are reminiscent of those of the current Mac mini with M2 SoC. Therefore, it is suspected that it could be a new model of Apple’s compact desktop.

However, Apple only introduced the latest generation of the Mac mini last January, which is why it would hardly make sense to launch a new series this fall. Accordingly, it seems more likely that these are early tests. Thanks to the 3 nm process, the new machines should run cooler, more efficiently and faster – it remains to be seen how much the gap to the 5 nm M2 is.

…then an M3 Max

In the meantime, another M3 model has appeared in the log files of independent developers. This is an accelerated variant that apparently corresponds to an M3 Max. According to Bloomberg, it could be a MacBook Pro that was previously unknown and probably codenamed J514. It could be out next spring. A total of 16 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores are integrated. 12 of the CPU cores should be performance cores, the rest efficiency cores. According to the log files, the computer also comes with 48 GB of RAM.

3nm technology is set to debut at Apple with the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, which are expected in September – the smartphones are likely to come with Apple’s new A17 processor. In a second step, it’s the turn of the Macs. This is exactly where Apple currently needs a boost, since the current line-up is running poorly according to the latest quarterly figures.

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