In 2023, Apple introduced an M3-powered 24-inch iMac and unveiled new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring M3 series chips. However, the remaining Mac lineup is yet to receive updates incorporating the latest M3 processors. Transiting into the new year, the focus naturally shifts to the other Macs in Apple’s lineup, exploring how they fit into Apple’s M3 roadmap for the upcoming year. Here’s a summary of the latest rumors:
Expected M3-Powered Apple Mac in 2024
M3 MacBook Air
Apple currently offers three versions of the MacBook Air, including a previous-generation 13-inch model with the M1 chip, and 13-inch and 15-inch models equipped with the newer M2 chip. The question arises of when Apple will discontinue the M1 MacBook Air and introduce M3 equivalents for its top-of-the-line 13-inch and 15-inch models.
According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has M3 MacBook Air models in development, scheduled for release in March this year. These new models are expected to feature a similar CPU and GPU core count as the M2 chip in the current models.
Gurman suggests that Apple is developing these Macs alongside macOS 14.3, with an anticipated release between the end of January and February. New hardware may ship around March, potentially coinciding with the launch of updated iPad Pro and iPad Air models.
Mac Mini
Apple introduced M2 and M2 Pro Mac mini models in January, and there are indications that Apple may be testing an M3 Mac mini, according to Gurman. Signs of an unknown “15,12” Mac machine with specifications resembling a next-generation Mac mini have been found in developer code.
Gurman had initially expected an M3 Mac mini to launch late in 2024, but as it is already in testing, an earlier unveiling is a possibility.
Mac Studio, Mac Pro
Apple updated the Mac Studio and Mac Pro with M2 series chips in June 2023. Both Macs are considered to be in the middle of their product cycles, and Gurman suggests that Apple is working on a new Mac Studio likely to launch in the second half of 2024.
The next Mac Studio is anticipated to feature the fourth variant of the M3 chip, doubling the components of the “Max” version and potentially offering up to 32 CPU cores and 80 GPU cores. TrendForce claims that Apple might launch a new Mac Studio featuring the M3 Ultra chip at WWDC in June.
13-inch MacBook Pro
Apple discontinued the 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro and replaced it with a 14-inch model equipped with a next-generation M3 chip. The 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro is touted to be up to 60 percent faster than the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1. Given these improvements, an M3-powered 13-inch MacBook Pro is not expected anytime soon.
