Apple is already testing a 12-core M3 Pro processor with 18-core graphics

In a few weeks, Apple will introduce a line of new computers with M2 chips, but the company already has much more powerful solutions based on M3 in the works. By data Bloomberg, the manufacturer is already testing the new chipset for compatibility with third-party applications.

One version of the M3 has 12 CPU cores, 18 graphics cores, and 36 GB of memory. The CPU consists of six high-performance cores that perform the most resource-intensive tasks, and six efficient cores that are responsible for operations with less energy.

It is assumed that this is the configuration of the Pro version of the processor. For comparison, here are similar chips of past generations:

M1 Pro (October 2021):

• 8 CPU cores (6 high performance cores and 2 energy efficient cores);
• 14 graphics cores;
• 32 GB of memory.

M2 Pro (January 2023):

• 10 CPU cores (6 high performance cores and 4 energy efficient cores);
• 16 graphics cores;
• 32 GB of memory.

The source suggests that with a similar increase in the number of cores in the M3 Pro, the Ultra version of the chip could have 28 CPU cores and more than 80 graphics cores compared to the 64 cores of the M1 Ultra.

Placing so many cores on a small chip will allow the transition to a 3-nanometer manufacturing process. With it, the company will be able to use chips with a higher component density.

The first Macs with M3 chips could be out by the end of the year or early next year. But in the summer we are still waiting for the first 15-inch Macbook Air with M2 chip.