Despite its latest range of M1 chips having only just been released to the public, Apple is unsurprisingly already looking to push and improve its own-designed processors that now inhabit its new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini.
Not willing to rest on its laurels or take a moment to soak in the success of the positive M1 product reviews, a new report indicates that Apple is working hard on a new ARM-based processor that will feature as many as 32 high-performance CPU cores. It is speculated that these new processors may first appear in Apple's next Mac lineup in late 2021. Additionally, this more powerful processor would feature in a rumored Mac Pro that will be half the size of the current model, thought to be coming out in 2022.
Per the report, Apple is said to be developing CPU designs that will support up to 16 high-performance cores alongside four power-efficiency cores that will be utilized in an updated range of tech giant's MacBook Pro and iMac options. These new processors may be ready to use from Spring 2021.
The recently released range of M1 powered devices is the "first chip designed specifically for Mac." Apple promised how the chip delivers "incredible performance, custom technologies and revolutionary power efficiency." Boasting an 8-core CPU, the M1 chip provides up to 3.5x faster CPU performance for Mac users, four high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores.
Alongside a buffed up CPU, these next-generation Apple processors are rumored to have more GPU cores. Compared to the current M1 chips, which have either seven or eight GPU cores, the future versions may feature as many as 16 and 32-cores. The report indicated that Apple is working on chips that could even possess as many as 128, with plans to release them in 2021 or in a few years in 2022.
Despite its recent range of M1-based computers and Apple's new macOS, Big Sur, the company still offers a number of Intel-based options, including the Mac Pro that many turn to for more power-hungry and intensive tasks such as high-quality video editing or photo work. Although these options are still currently available, the tech company has declared its intentions to segue its entire range of computers to its own chips over the next two years.
Apple first announced its M1 chip earlier in 2020, highlighting the capabilities and technological achievements of what the M1 provides. The company claimed that the M1 is the world's fastest CPU core "in low power silicon" and provides the world's best CPU performance per watt. Given the success the M1-based MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini has received since release, Apple's decision to develop, design, and produce its own chips seems to have paid off big time, with future products only improving upon the foundation the M1 has provided.