Apple’s M3 Ultra chips promise a huge performance leap – if the rumors are true
As we prepare for Apple’s iPhone 15 event in September, we’re getting more details on what to expect with the rumored M3 chip range, especially with regards to the high-end M3 Ultra chip, which is expected to arrive in 2024 will be launched.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has been a source of plenty of juicy Apple scoops and predictions, and in his Power On Newsletterhe states that the M3 Ultra will offer a massive increase in CPU cores and a modest increase in GPU cores. 9to5Mac breaks down the reported specs for each of the Ultra chips we should see.
The base M3 Ultra is rumored to have a 32-core CPU with 24 performance cores and eight efficiency cores, plus a 64-core GPU, a potentially huge leap over the M2 Ultra, which has specs of a 24-core CPU with 16 performance cores and eight efficiency cores, plus a GPU with 60 cores.
As for the more expensive models, the top-end M3 Ultra will apparently come with a 32-core CPU with 24 performance cores and eight efficiency cores, 80 GPU cores, again surpassing the current top-end M2 Ultra chip, which features 24-core CPU with 16 performance cores and eight efficiency cores, 76-core GPU. Note again, however, that there is only a slight bump in GPU cores.
The jump in CPU cores for the M3 Ultra will come in the form of performance cores rather than efficiency cores. Having a higher core count means the new chip will be better able to handle complex computing tasks, allowing you to run multiple demanding programs with ease.
Most day-to-day tasks can be handled by the low-power cores (to help extend battery life in MacBooks), but when you’re putting a load on your machine, the performance cores will kick in and get you through your work.
The M3 Ultra specs – if they prove accurate – will be more than a little over the top for most people, so you’re better off setting your sights on the modest and hopefully more affordable M3 chip. It will be a good performance leap over the M2 and will ‘future proof’ your new purchase for years to come.
Rumors suggest we’ll see new M3 Macs in October 2023, with the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro featuring the M3 Pro chips expected to ship next year.