Apple’s next-generation M-series chip has entered mass production this month, according to a report from Nikkei Asia. Apple’s M1 chipset was released only five months ago, but the Cupertino-based company isn’t resting on its laurels.
Nikkei, citing ‘sources familiar with the matter,’ says the first shipments of the new chipset ‘could begin as early as July for use in MacBooks that are scheduled to go on sale in the second half of this year. ’
This news comes just a week after Apple released an entirely redesigned 24” iMac and new iPad Pro models powered by its M1 chipset. This suggests Apple is passing up on the M1 for its more pro-oriented computers, opting instead to power its larger MacBook Pro and Mac Pro computers by the second-generation chipset. 1
Like the M1, Apple’s next-generation chipset is being produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), a consistent Apple supplier and the world’s largest contract chipmaker. Nikkei says the 5-nanometer plus (N5P) technology being used to make the next-generation chipsets take ‘at least three months’ to produce. This aligns with the timeline of the first chips being shipped in early July, which would be an impressive feat considering the ongoing global chip shortage, which is affecting everyone from automakers to smartphone manufacturers.
A graphic overview of just a few of the features Apple's M1 chipset offers.
Apple said during its announcement of the M1 chipset that it would have all of its Intel-based computers switched over to Apple silicon within two years, and it seems the company is on track to achieve that. As for what exactly the next-generation chipset will power remains to be seen, but we should know by the end of the year.
1 We would mention the iMac Pro, but Apple recently discontinued its iMac Pro lineup, suggesting it won’t be making a return, even with Apple’s new chipset.
. dpreview.com2021-4-29 17:02