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Apple announced the relase of their newest generation M3 Chips on 30th October 2023, a day before Halloween.
As with the previous M1 and M2, the Apple M3 chip also comes in three configurations, the Apple M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max.
The M3 Release is quite significant as M3 chips are built on Industry’s first 3 nanometer processing technology. It’s industry’s first because intel and AMD have been working on 3nm chips but there has been no release till now. Intel did plan to start 3 nm production in 2023 but there is no announcement of any release.
The new family of M3 chips is quite exciting as it brings along some massive improvements.
“It represents the biggest leap forward in graphics architecture ever for Apple silicon”.
As per Apple
In Short here is what it brings to the table
- Supercharged Graphics
- Turbocharded CPU
- Enhanced Neural Engine
- Better Video Quality
Evolution of Apple’s Custom Silicon
Apple’s foray into custom silicon has been nothing short of remarkable. It all began with the introduction of the A4 chip, a milestone in the tech world. Here’s a glimpse into the evolution of Apple’s custom silicon.
The A4 Chip:
- The A4 chip, debuting in the first-generation iPad and iPhone 4, marked Apple’s venture into designing its own processors.
- This tiny powerhouse was the first glimpse of Apple’s ability to create chips tailored to its devices.
Transitioning from Intel:
- Apple’s decision to transition from Intel processors to its custom silicon was bold and forward-thinking.
- This move allowed Apple to have more control over its hardware and software integration, enhancing the user experience.
The M-Series for Mac:
- Apple’s M-series chips represent a significant leap in performance and efficiency, particularly in Mac devices.
- They’re the driving force behind MacBooks and iMacs, bringing speed, energy efficiency, and enhanced capabilities to these beloved devices.
Key Features and Improvements of the Apple M3 Chip
The Apple M3 chip is here to take the computing experience to the next level. Let’s dive into its key features and improvements that make it a game-changer:
Technnical Specifications: Apple M3 vs M3 Max vs M3 Pro
Let’s look at the tech specifications for the Apple M3 series chips
| M3 | M3 Pro | M3 Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 8 Cores | 12 Cores | 16 Cores |
| GPU | 10 Cores | 18 Cores | 40 Cores |
| Memory | upto 24 GB | upto 36 GB | upto 128 GB |
| Transistors | 25 billion | 37 billion | 92 billion |
Apple M3 Chip – Performance
The M3 chip is all about delivering better performance and efficiency with its next-gen CPU and GPU architecture. Let’s break it down in simpler terms:
Faster CPU Performance:
- The performance cores in M3 CPU are up to 30% faster than the ones in the previous M1 chip and upto 15% faster than M2 Chip.
- This means tasks like coding in Xcode and music production in Logic Pro are much quicker and smoother.
Efficient Everyday Tasks:
- The M3 chip’s efficiency cores have also seen an upgrade, making everyday tasks speedier They are now up to 50% faster than the efficiency cores in the M1 chip.
- This not only makes your regular tasks quicker but also helps your device’s battery last longer.
Power:
- M3 chip manages to deliver the same multitasking power as the M1 chip but using way less power thanks to the upgraded cores.
- The M3 chip can give you up to 35% more speed without draining your device.
Supercharged Neural Engine:
- The M3 series chips come with a better Neural Engine which is up to 60% faster compared to the M1 chips and upto 15% faster compared to M2 Chips.
- This means quicker and faster AI/ML work.
Faster Image and Video Processing
- All M3 chips have an advanced media engine which for the first time also supports AV1 decoding.
- This means video streaming, processing is smoother and more efficient
Superior Graphics Performance
- With a 10-core GPU and 25 billin transistors, The M3 is 65% faster than the M1 for graphics.
- M3 Pro packs 37 billion transistors and an 18-core GPU which is a massive 40% faster than M1 Pro for graphics-intensive work.
- The M3 Max takes pro performance to the next level with a huge 92 billion transistors and 40 core GPU which is upto 50% faster than faster than the M1 Max.
Device Lineup and Date
The first Macs with M3 processors are now up for pre-order on Apple’s website. They’ll be in your hands, starting November 7, and we can’t wait!
Imac
- The M3 chip is available in the iMac 2023, starting at just $1,299 / $1,249 (for education). It’s a great choice for those looking for an affordable yet powerful option. You can choose from green, pink, blue, and silver.
- For M3 Pro chip, the iMac 2023 starts at $1,499 / $1,399 ( for education). You can pick from green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver.
Macbook Pro
The Macbook Pro 14 and 16 are available to order. While Macbook Pro 14 is available in all M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max versions. THe Macbook pro 16 is available in M3 Pro and MAX configurations only
- Macook Pro 14 with M3 starts at $1,599.00
- Macook Pro 14 with M3 Pro starts at $2,399.00
- Macbook Pro 14 with M3 Max starts at $3,199.00
- The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro starts at $2,499. It’s a pro-level powerhouse.
- For M2 MAX the Macbook Pro 16 starts at $3,499.00
Final Comments
Apple is carrying the torch of innovation forward with the 3nm M3 Chips. They pack massive enhancements and new features for the new MacBook Pro and iMac, making your devices even more capable and exciting.
We are waiting to get our hands on the M3 Machines and will be release a detailed review of M3 Macbooks as and when we get our hands ont Them.