Apple could be in the process of testing another M3-based Mac, and all signs point to it potentially being a new Mac mini. With the recent releases of M2 Pro and M2 Ultra-based Macs, Apple seems to be gearing up for the highly anticipated M3-based Mac lineup. Mark Gurman’s latest report in the Power On newsletter reveals that Apple is intensifying its testing of M3 Mac models. This time, the focus could be on a refreshed Mac mini, and here’s what we know.
Is a New M3-Based Mac Mini on the Horizon?
According to Gurman’s insights, Apple is actively testing an M3-based Mac model featuring an initial configuration of the upcoming M3 Apple Silicon. This particular M3 Mac is said to boast 8 CPU cores and 18 GPU cores, accompanied by 24GB of RAM. The chipset is designed with a setup of four efficiency cores and four high-performance cores. Notably, the device is running the latest MacOS Sonoma 14.1 version. Based on this setup, it’s highly plausible that this Mac in question could be the next iteration of the Mac mini, internally codenamed as ‘Mac 15,12.’
Reports suggest that Apple has around seven M3-based Macs in various stages of development. This lineup is believed to encompass a range of models, including a 13-inch MacBook Air, a 15-inch MacBook Air, a 13-inch MacBook Pro, a 14-inch MacBook Pro equipped with M3 Pro SoC, a 16-inch MacBook Pro powered by M3 Max SoC, and of course, the aforementioned M3 Mac mini.
Comparatively, the entry-level M3 chipset is expected to share similarities with its predecessor, the entry-level M2 SoC. However, the M3 Pro variant is anticipated to bring noteworthy generational improvements compared to the previous year’s M2 Pro chip. While the M2 Pro featured a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU, the M3 Pro could potentially elevate these numbers to 12 CPU cores and 18 GPU cores. Additionally, an extra 4GB of RAM might be added. This advancement is facilitated by a new 3nm fabrication process, which effectively reduces the space between transistors on the chip.
For now, Gurman adheres to his previously reported October timeframe for the launch of Apple’s M3-based Mac lineup. While Gurman’s insights are usually reliable, it’s always wise to approach these developments with a degree of caution. Rest assured, we will keep you updated as more concrete information emerges. In the meantime, are you eagerly anticipating the next wave of Apple Silicon upgrades for Macs? Which specific device from the rumored lineup has caught your attention the most? Share your opinions in the comment section.
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