Developer logs: Apple is testing M3 Max with a 16-core CPU, a 40-core GPU, and 48GB of RAM, in a new MacBook Pro that Apple is expected to launch in 2024
- The chip has 16 central processing cores and 40 for graphics — Company is testing flurry of new Macs as it seeks sales boost
BloombergMark Gurman
Context & Ripple Effects
The reported configuration extends Apple’s M3 testing beyond the earlier M3 test system with 12 CPU cores and 18 GPU cores into a higher-end MacBook Pro class. It also follows reports that Apple was testing high-end Macs with M2 Max and M2 Ultra configurations, underscoring a continuing cadence of tiered in-house silicon validation.
Apple can validate a 16-core CPU/40-core GPU M3 Max configuration and 48GB memory option for a prospective high-end MacBook Pro.
Developers whose logs exposed the device gain an early signal that Apple is preparing a more capable M3-based portable Mac, though testing does not confirm final shipping specifications or timing.
Second-order effects
A higher-end M3 Max tier would sharpen segmentation between Apple’s mainstream M3 machines and MacBook Pro models aimed at graphics- and compute-intensive work.
The configuration raises the competitive bar for premium laptop vendors: CPU, GPU, and memory capacity are being advanced together rather than treated as separate upgrade paths.
Third-order effects
If successive Max chips retain comparable top-end core counts while platform features evolve, differentiation in premium Macs may increasingly depend on memory capacity, I/O, and software optimization alongside raw silicon scale.
The pattern supports a broader shift toward tightly integrated CPU-GPU-memory designs, where performance tiers are defined at the system-on-chip level rather than by user-replaceable components.
The trend: Apple’s Mac roadmap is increasingly organized around recurring, vertically integrated silicon tiers that scale CPU, graphics, and unified memory together for premium workloads.
can I propose what may be a radical idea? what if they make the M3 Macs higher tiers and pricier configs than the M2 ones? like the M2 Airs and Minis stick around but you can spec up and pay up for M3? given how soon these updates may arrive after their release
If you were wondering why people are skipping M2 Pro and Max and waiting for the 3rd-gen.. Combining new 3nm cores and adding MORE of them is gonna be insane! Such a big boost in performance while also improving battery life thanks to the doubling of E-cores!
NEW: Apple is now testing the M3 Max chip destined for next year's MacBook Pros. The company is planning a 16 core CPU (12 high-performance + 4 efficiency cores) and a 40 core GPU for its maxed-out laptops. https://www.bloomberg.com/...
Interesting to see how Apple is impacting the optimization of new chip technologies: Excerpt: “Apple's willingness to be the supplier's first customer for new manufacturing processes helps it pay for the research and development of new nodes, as well as the facilities to make the…
https://www.theinformation.com/ ... Apple's confidential deal for advanced chips with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. limits all of the iPhone maker's financial risk while also helping TSMC improve its manufacturing capabilities. Check out my latest scoop for @theinformati…
This is a logical result of Apple footing a large share of the bill for R&D and manufacturing buildup of 3nm fabrication technology. A win for consumers!
chip industry execs & analysts speculated for years that Apple is getting a sweetheart fab deal from TSMC. update: confirmed. details: https://www.theinformation.com/ ... $tsm $aapl by @waynema [image]