Apple is gearing up to launch MacBooks equipped with the much-awaited Apple M3 chip, and the release date might be earlier than initially anticipated. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that the first Macs with M3 chips will likely debut in October, specifically the iMac, 13-inch MacBook Air, and 13-inch MacBook Pro. Furthermore, the analyst predicts that we may see M3-powered 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros in 2024.
Why wait to buy a MacBook?
Given the potential game-changing performance and power efficiency of the M3 chip, waiting for its release before purchasing any MacBook is advisable. The M-series chips have already revolutionized the computing world with their stellar performance, exemplified by the MacBook Air M1 outperforming many Windows laptops. The M2 chip, while not as groundbreaking as the switch from Intel chips to Apple’s own silicon, still offered considerable performance improvements.
The Apple M3 chip is expected to use TSMC’s new 3nm process, a step up from the 5nm process used for M1 and M2 chips. Leaked information suggests the M3 Pro will feature a 12-core CPU, an 18-core GPU, and support for up to 36GB of unified memory (RAM). Compared to the M2 Pro, which has a 10-core CPU, a 16-core GPU, and 16GB of RAM, the M3 chip presents a significant upgrade, promising even more performance gains, not only compared to M2 but also potentially surpassing Windows laptops.
The powerful performance of the M3 chip could benefit professional video and photo editors, as well as gamers if Apple expands its gaming capabilities. Even for regular users engaged in office work, writing, or watching videos, the faster processor will provide a noticeable boost and ensure the computer remains relevant for years to come.
If you own an M1 MacBook or an older Intel-powered notebook, it is best to skip M2 MacBooks until Apple officially announces the M3-driven computers. Additionally, waiting for M3 MacBooks to arrive can lead to price drops on existing MacBooks. Vendors often offer discounts on older models when newer ones are released. By exercising patience and purchasing an older MacBook once M3 MacBooks are available, users can potentially save a considerable amount of money while still enjoying powerful performance and efficiency.
