While Apple is still rolling out its M4 chips, insights into the next generation, the M5, have surfaced. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently revealed key technical details about the upcoming processor family.
M5 Chip: Built on Advanced 3nm Technology
The M5 series will leverage TSMC’s N3P node, an advancement from the M4’s N3E. This marks three consecutive generations of Apple silicon built on the 3nm process, highlighting Apple’s commitment to cutting-edge fabrication. According to Kuo, the N3P node entered its prototype phase several months ago.
M5 Pro, Max, and Ultra: Redefining Performance
The higher-end M5 Pro, Max, and Ultra chips will utilize advanced “server-grade” 2.5D packaging. This innovative approach aims to enhance production yields and improve thermal management. A significant change is the separation of CPU and GPU designs, departing from the traditional system-on-a-chip architecture of previous generations. Kuo suggests this separation will also benefit AI inferencing capabilities.
Apple M5 series chip
1. The M5 series chips will adopt TSMC’s advanced N3P node, which entered the prototype phase a few months ago. M5, M5 Pro/Max, and M5 Ultra mass production is expected in 1H25, 2H25, and 2026, respectively.
2. The M5 Pro, Max, and Ultra will utilize…— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) December 23, 2024
M5 Chip Family: Projected Release Timeline
Kuo’s projected release schedule aligns with previous generations. The M5 is anticipated in the first half of 2025, with the M5 Pro and Max following in the second half. The M5 Ultra is slated for 2026, potentially restoring the yearly update cycle for the most powerful Macs after the M3 Ultra hiatus.
Looking Ahead: The M5 and Beyond
The full implications of these changes remain to be seen, but it’s clear Apple is investing heavily in performance and new functionalities for its high-end processors. While anticipation builds for the M5, we still await the M4 Ultra, expected to power the refreshed Mac Studio and Mac Pro sometime in 2025.
