NEWS  Apple  November 12, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

As reported by Michael Owen from Appleinsider, the highly anticipated M3 Ultra chip is expected to redefine the boundaries of performance. According to insights shared in Bloomberg's "Power On" newsletter by Mark Gurman, the M3 Ultra might boast an impressive 80 graphics cores, potentially marking the pinnacle of the M3-generation chip series.

In previous iterations, Apple's Silicon lineup, including the M1 and M2, followed a pattern where the Ultra edition effectively doubled the core counts and other specifications of the Max version. This unique approach involved connecting two Max chips with an interconnect, resulting in the formidable M1 Ultra and M2 Ultra. 

Gurman delves into the doubling mechanic in the context of the M3 Ultra, suggesting a substantial leap with "a whopping 80 graphics cores." The established pattern for Apple Silicon generations includes a baseline version, a Pro with enhanced CPU and GPU cores, a Max with double the graphics cores, and the Ultra that doubles both CPU and GPU cores compared to the Max.

However, Gurman notes a deviation in the M3 line compared to its predecessors. The M3 Max not only featured more CPU cores but also doubled the GPU cores, introducing a shift in the established approach. Speculating on the yet-to-be-announced M3 Ultra, Gurman proposes that if Apple maintains the doubling trend for CPU and graphics cores, the M3 Ultra could potentially house 32 CPU cores and an impressive 80 graphics cores. Additionally, advancements in memory configurations might offer users an option for up to 256 gigabytes.

While Apple has yet to officially unveil the M3 Ultra, Gurman anticipates that details will emerge in the coming months as testing progresses, with a potential launch slated for 2024. As Apple continues to push the boundaries of chip technology, the M3 Ultra holds the promise of delivering unparalleled performance, setting the stage for the next era of Mac computing.

(Cover image by Appleinsider)