Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo brings disappointing news for Apple enthusiasts anticipating the arrival of a new lineup of Macs powered by the M3 chips this year. According to Kuo, Apple has abandoned its plans to introduce any fresh MacBook models equipped with M3 series processors “by the end of this year.”
Kuo’s assessment contradicts numerous reports from other sources, which had widely assumed that Apple had intentions to launch new Macs with M3 processors as early as October. The M3 chip series was initially expected to debut in updated versions of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and the 24-inch iMac.
Prior to Kuo’s latest report, the prevailing expectation was that the initial M3 Macs would be unveiled in October, with more robust variants like the M3 Pro, M3 Ultra, and M3 Max slated for release in 2024.
It’s worth noting that Kuo specifically mentions “MacBook models” in his statement. This could imply that Apple has plans to release M3-powered desktop Macs, such as the iMac, within the current year.
One plausible scenario is that Apple may be facing challenges in producing a sufficient quantity of M3 chips for its laptops, which typically have higher production volumes compared to its desktop Macs. There have been reports indicating that TSMC, Apple’s chip manufacturing partner, is grappling with fulfilling the demand for 3nm chips from its customers.
A recent supply chain report revealed that Apple has secured the entire output of TSMC’s 3nm chips at least through the present year.
The M3 chip is anticipated to represent a significant advancement in Apple Silicon, serving as Apple’s inaugural 3nm processor. It will be based on the A17 Bionic chip, set to make its debut in the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max next week.