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.