Even though we are currently in the midst of the distribution of Apple’s M4 chips, we got our first significant look at the M5 chips, which are its replacement. Ming-Chi Kuo, a reputable analyst, contributed to X today and revealed some tasty technical insights about what will happen in the future. This report comes from him.

                    TSMC’s N3P node, the next step up from the N3E on the M4 architecture, will be used to build the M5 family of chips. However, this is the first time we get three generations of chips in a row employing the 3nm node. Kuo claims the new node “entered the prototype phase a few months ago.”

                    Specifically, “server-grade” 2.5D packaging will be utilized for the M5 Pro, Max, and Ultra to enhance production yields and thermal performance throughout the three models. The central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) will be able to employ different designs, which is a significant departure from earlier generations, which utilized a standard system on a chip. Kuo also states that these high-end M5 chips will be “better suited” for artificial intelligence modeling.

                  The chip from Apple’s M5 series 1. TSMC brought the upgraded N3P node into the prototype phase a few months ago, and the M5 series processors will adopt it. Accordingly, the mass manufacturing of the M5, M5 Pro/Max, and M5 Ultra is anticipated to begin during the first half of 2025.

                 Apple is undoubtedly adding some new capabilities and functions to its higher-end CPUs, but we do not know exactly how these modifications will affect the final product.

                The timeframe that Kuo has presented does not differ from the timelines of preceding generations. The M5 will be the first vehicle to be released in the first half of 2025, while the M5 Pro/Max will be released in the second half of the same year. Last but not least, the M5 Ultra is expected to be released in 2026. Following the omission of the M3 Ultra, this would set the most powerful Mac desktops back to a yearly update cycle.

                An updated Mac Studio and Pro version is expected to be released sometime in 2025 while we wait for the M4 Ultra to arrive.