Apple’s proprietary M4 processors have powered various Mac models, and speculation is already rife about the next generation of chips. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is set to begin mass production of its M5 processors in the first half of next year.
The M5 chips will utilize TSMC’s advanced N3P 3nm manufacturing process. Compared to the M4, which uses the N3E process, the M5 is expected to deliver a 5-10% reduction in energy consumption while boosting performance by 5%. The base M5 chips are slated for production in early 2025, followed by the M5 Pro and M5 Max in the second half of the year, with the M5 Ultra expected in 2026.
Kuo suggests that Apple will integrate TSMC’s cutting-edge “System-on-Integrated-Chips-molding-Horizontal” (SoIC-mH) packaging technology in the M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra models. This approach could shrink design sizes by 30-50% compared to traditional SoCs, improving both cooling efficiency and overall performance.
Additionally, the M5 processors will feature a new design where the CPU and GPU function independently, rather than within a single package as seen in the M4. This separation is anticipated to enhance performance and thermal management significantly. Moreover, the M5 series is expected to bring substantial improvements in handling AI-driven tasks, further solidifying Apple’s position as a leader in high-performance computing.
