Source: Apple
The much-anticipated Apple Mac “Scary Fast” event on October 30th saw the launch of M3 chips and two devices to run them.
Apple launched three variants of the M3 chips — M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max — while the two Mac devices — an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro featuring M3 and the expensive 14 and 16-inch featuring the Pro and Max models.
M3 chip: The most advanced chips to date?
Apple released three models of the new 3 nm M3 processors — the M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max. The processors are set to debut in the new MacBook Pro models, with the base M3 also included in the upcoming 24-inch iMac.
- The base M3 boasts an eight-core CPU with four performance and four efficiency cores, claiming a 35% boost in CPU performance over its predecessor, M1. M3’s ten-core GPU promises a 65% leap in graphics performance. It also supports up to 24GB of unified memory and one external display.
- The M3 Pro steps up the game with a 12-core CPU, six performance cores, and six efficiency cores. The variant also supports up to 36GB of unified memory with an 18-core GPU.
- The M3 Max packs a 16-core GPU with 12 performance and four efficiency cores. It supports up to 128GB of unified memory and a 40-core GPU.
- Apple has significantly focused on improving the GPU by introducing hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading. This will be helpful for game developers.
- For maximising productivity, Apple has introduced Dynamic Caching, a feature that will allocate just the right amount of memory in the hardware to finish the task using the GPU. Apple claims that this industry-first innovation will boost the performance of games on the MacBooks.
- Furthermore, the Apple M3 chip family will also have an improved Neural Engine. This will improve and accelerate the machine learning models.
- Moreover, Apple has also included an AV1 decoder for more power-efficient content playback.
New MacBooks: New chips require new devices
Apple also unveiled upgraded MacBook Pro models with M3 Pro and M3 Max processors alongwith a base 14-inch model with M3 chipset. Along with that, the company also launched a new and speedier iMac based on M3 silicon.
- Apple launched the MacBooks in a new “Space Black” finish, claiming that this colour is less prone to fingerprints.
- The M3 Pro has 36GB of RAM, boasting a 12-core CPU and up to an 18-core GPU.
- The M3 Max MacBook Pro model features a 16-core CPU and up to a 40-core GPU.
- Apple promises a 22-hour battery life for the 16-inch M3 Pro variant. However, the M3 Max will offer less battery performance.
- The laptops will have a Mini LED display and multiple ports, including Thunderbolt 4, HMDI, and an SD card reader. Apple will also return with the MagSafe connector for charging.
- The M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro will be around $1,999, and the 16-inch M3 Pro model will be at $2,499 for the base variant. However, the prices will increase as you opt for more RAM, storage or a faster chip. The regular 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro will cost you around &1,599 with 8GB RAM.
- The 24-inch iMac with the M3 chip will come in seven colours: green, pink, purple, silver, blue, yellow, and orange. As with the older iMacs, the new iMac will also feature a 1080p camera, 4.5K Retina display, and other accessories.
- The model is priced at $1,299 for the 8-core variant and $1,499 for the 10-core variant.
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