# Apple M3

> system on a chip (SoC) by Apple for Macintosh computers

**Wikidata**: [Q123253312](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123253312)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_M3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/apple-m3

## Summary
The Apple M3 is a system on a chip (SoC) designed and developed by Apple Inc. for Macintosh computers. Announced on October 30, 2023, and released on November 7, 2023, it serves as the successor to the Apple M2 and is part of the Apple Silicon series. The chip is manufactured by TSMC using a 3 nm lithography process.

## Key Facts
- **Announcement Date:** October 30, 2023
- **Release Date:** November 7, 2023
- **Developer:** Apple Inc.
- **Manufacturer:** TSMC (Contract Manufacturer)
- **Process Node:** 3 nm lithography process
- **Predecessor:** Apple M2
- **Successor:** Apple M4
- **CPU Configuration:** 4 Performance cores, 4 Efficiency cores
- **GPU Cores:** 10
- **AI Accelerator Cores:** 16
- **Device Integration:** Used in MacBook Pro and iMac (24-inch)

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Apple M3 chip released?
A: The Apple M3 was announced on October 30, 2023, and officially released on November 7, 2023.

### Q: What devices use the Apple M3 chip?
A: As of its launch, the Apple M3 is used in the MacBook Pro and the 24-inch iMac.

### Q: What is the manufacturing process for the Apple M3?
A: The Apple M3 is built using a 3 nm lithography process and is manufactured by TSMC as a contract manufacturer.

### Q: How many CPU and GPU cores does the M3 have?
A: The standard Apple M3 configuration features 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores (CPU), alongside 10 graphics processing unit (GPU) cores.

## Why It Matters
The Apple M3 represents a significant step in the evolution of Apple Silicon, marking the transition to 3 nm lithography technology for the company's consumer desktop and laptop chips. By migrating to this smaller process node, Apple achieved improvements in power efficiency and performance density compared to the previous M2 generation.

The chip plays a critical role in Apple's hardware ecosystem, powering the company's "Pro" laptop lineup and the all-in-one iMac. Its architecture, featuring distinct performance ("Avalanche") and efficiency ("Blizzard") cores along with a dedicated 16-core AI accelerator, allows for specialized computing tasks ranging from heavy graphical processing to machine learning, while maintaining the tight integration between hardware and software that defines the Macintosh platform.

## Notable For
- **3 nm Lithography:** Being one of the first chips in Apple's consumer lineup to utilize the 3 nm fabrication method.
- **Architecture:** Utilizing the "Avalanche" (performance) and "Blizzard" (efficiency) microarchitectures.
- **Integration:** Combining CPU, GPU, Neural Engine (AI accelerator), and eDRAM onto a single system on a chip (SoC).
- **Succession:** Acting as the bridge between the Apple M2 and the Apple M4 in the Apple M series.

## Body

### Development and Classification
The Apple M3 is a system on a chip (SoC) classified under the Apple Silicon series and the broader Apple M series. It was designed by Apple Inc. and acts as a product model within their hardware lineup. It is distinct from earlier motion coprocessors (like the Apple Motion Coprocessor) as it is a full SoC intended to power the main operating system of Macintosh computers.

### Hardware Specifications
The M3 features a multi-core layout designed for heterogeneous computing:
- **CPU:** 4 high-performance cores and 4 high-efficiency cores.
- **GPU:** 10 cores dedicated to graphics processing.
- **Neural Engine:** 16 cores designated as an AI accelerator.
- **Microarchitecture:** The cores utilize the Apple Avalanche and Apple Blizzard architectures.
- **Memory:** The chip includes eDRAM.

### Timeline and Release
The development and release timeline for the M3 includes:
- **Preceded by:** Apple M2 (released July 2022).
- **Announcement:** October 30, 2023.
- **Inception/Release:** November 7, 2023.
- **Succeeded by:** Apple M4 (designed for iPads).

### Device Application
The M3 chip was integrated into Apple's hardware lineup starting in late 2023. It powers specific models of the **MacBook Pro**, marketed as the world’s best pro laptop, and the **24-inch iMac**, which Apple described as "supercharged" by the new chip.

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## References

1. [The 2020 Mac Mini Unleashed: Putting Apple Silicon M1 To The Test. AnandTech. 2020](https://www.anandtech.com/show/16252/mac-mini-apple-m1-tested)
2. [Apple unveils the new MacBook Pro featuring the M3 family of chips, making the world’s best pro laptop even better. Apple Inc.. 2023](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/10/apple-unveils-new-macbook-pro-featuring-m3-chips/)
3. [Apple supercharges 24‑inch iMac with new M3 chip. Apple Inc.. 2023](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/10/apple-supercharges-24-inch-imac-with-new-m3-chip/)
4. [Apple Announces M2 SoC: Apple Silicon for Macs Updated For 2022. 2022](https://www.anandtech.com/show/17431/apple-announces-m2-soc-apple-silicon-updated-for-2022)