Apple has already begun working on the next two generations of Mac chips, which are expected to succeed the first Mac processor named the M1.
According to a report, Apple and its chipmaking companion TSMC plan to fabricate second-generation Apple silicon chips utilizing an enhanced model of TSMC’s 5nm course and the chips which may enable extra cores.
The report further states that Apple’s third-gen processors are codenamed Ibiza, Lobos, and Palma, suggesting that Apple might continue to follow the series of an M1/2/3 and then an M1 Pro and M1 Max variant that packs more power.
The M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max are fabricated on a 5-nanometer process. According to a report, the company will follow up with second-generation Apple Silicon chips in 2022 using an upgraded 5-nanometer process. In addition, the performance and efficiency gains compared to the M1 generation are a lot smaller.
In terms of compatibility, the M1 chip features an 8-core CPU, and the M1 Professional and M1 Max chips comprise 10-core CPUs, whereas Apple’s high-end Mac could be configured with as much as a 28-core Intel Xeon W processor. According to the company, the new chips will be made using TSMC’s 3nm process in 2023 and could feature up to 40 CPU cores per chip.
The company elaborates that Apple will use 5nm chips for new Apple silicon coming in 2022. Furthermore, Apple recently unveiled its new MacBook Pro in 2021, which is known as the company’s best MacBook to date. A roadmap suggests that Apple will continue to outperform Intel’s future processors for consumer PCs easily
The iPhone is also expected to move to 3-nanometer chips in 2023 by keeping Apple’s lead in silicon performance in the smartphone market.
According to the company, the larger Macs may get two dies over the current one-die setup for doubled performance, whereas smaller devices like iPhones and MacBooks may offer modest gains.
A report also suggests that 3nm chips are not coming in 2022 due to some production issues.