Apple Developing 32-Core Processor For High-End Macs, Expected in Late 2021

Following the release of its M1 chip, Apple is planning to develop and release a series of ambitiously powerful new chips for the new year.

Currently, Apple’s first in-house processor sports eight cores and released with fairly positive responses. Bloomberg reports that Apple is working to follow up the M1 chip with a series of processors that could outperform Intel’s silicon. According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple is testing a chip designed with 16 power cores and four efficiency cores. However, depending on mass production constraints, the company may opt for eight or 12 cores.

Additionally, the company is testing silicon with as many as 32 high-performance cores. If development goes the way the company intends, the new chips could perform better than the fastest from Intel. This would be another milestone in Apple’s transition away from Intel processors. The company has already outlined that it wishes to complete the transition by 2022.

In November, Apple released a series of devices utilizing the new M1 chip. A MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac Mini all released last month. The latest report states that Apple will be releasing higher-end desktop computers in late 2021 with the new chip. Additionally, a half-sized MacBook Pro is reported to be in development with a tentative release of 2022.

Apple is also conducting tests on higher-end graphics upgrades. The company is experimenting with 64 and 128 cores positioned for its priciest machines. Compared to Nvidia and AMD graphics modules with its Intel-based products, Apple’s chips could be significantly faster if properly implemented. The new GPUs are being developed to release in late 2021 or 2022.

Apple’s development plans are ambitious, to say the least. However, to fully commit to transitioning away from Intel’s processors, the company will have to finalize a good balance of lower-end silicon while providing unparalleled options for those investing in high-end laptops and desktop machines.