Wait for it: MacBook Pro, Mac Mini to Feature M3 Chips

Tech enthusiasts waiting for Apple’s high-end MacBook Pro and Mac mini to be equipped with the M3 chip may need to hold on a bit longer. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that these devices won’t be part of the first lineup of M3-powered Macs launching later this year.

A delay in the inevitable

In a recent edition of the ‘Power On’ newsletter, Gurman forecasts that the M3-based Mac mini is inevitable, albeit not immediately forthcoming. According to him, the revamped machine may not surface until late 2024 at the earliest, hence missing the initial batch of M3 Macs.

In parallel, the refreshed 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models won’t be part of the initial M3 launch slated for October this year. These laptops, presumably fitted with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, are likely to hit the market by mid-2024.

Comparing refresh cycles

Highlighting Apple’s strategic approach to its products, Gurman pointed out the M2 Mac mini’s launch was delayed over two years post the introduction of its M1 counterpart. This suggests that Apple doesn’t deem the Mac mini as necessitating yearly updates. However, the case differs for the high-end MacBook Pro, a more sought-after product, which tends to see a refresh every four or five quarters.

Anticipating M3’s arrival

Last week, Gurman disclosed that the first batch of M3-fueled Macs might see daylight as soon as October this year. The forerunners to sport the M3 chip are expected to be the 13-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch MacBook Air, and 24-inch iMac. The M3 chip, predicted to be fabricated using TSMC’s 3nm process, promises significant performance and power efficiency improvements over the 5nm-based M2 chip.

As we wait for further updates, what are your thoughts on this delay? How do you think the M3 chip will revolutionize the user experience? Please share your insights in the comments section below.