According to developer logs, Apple Inc. has begun broad internal testing of various new Mac models using next-generation M2 chip as part of its quest to produce more powerful laptops utilizing indigenous CPUs.
According to the logs, the business is testing at least nine new Macs with four distinct M2-based CPUs – the successors to the present M1 series – with third-party programs in its App Store. This has been confirmed by persons acquainted with the situation. The move is an important milestone in the development process. It implies that the new computers will be available in the coming months.
Following Apple’s recent break with Intel Corp., the M2 processor is the company’s latest attempt to push the boundaries of computer computing. Apple has steadily replaced Intel processors with its own technology. It now hopes to win even more ground with a more sophisticated range.
Following years of lackluster growth, the Mac computer segment has had a revival in the last two years, aided in part by home office employees purchasing new equipment. The company made $35.2 billion in sales last fiscal year, accounting for nearly 10% of Apple’s total.
Even though testing has progressed in certain areas, there is no guarantee that all models will be released. A spokeswoman for Apple in Cupertino, California, refused to comment on the plans.
The new equipment being tested are:
J413 is the codename for a MacBook Air equipped with an M2 chip. This Mac will contain eight CPU cores, which are components that conduct main processing, and ten graphics cores. This is an improvement above the existing MacBook Air’s eight graphics cores.
J473 is a Mac mini with an M2 chip. The specs of this computer will be the same as those of the MacBook Air. In the testing, there was also a variant of the “M2 Pro” codenamed J474.
J493 is the codename for the entry-level MacBook Pro with M2 chips. It will also be equipped with the same features as the MacBook Air.
J414 is a 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M2 Pro and an “M2 Max” processor. According to the log, the M2 Max processor features 12 CPU cores and 38 graphics cores, increasing from 10 CPU cores and 32 graphics cores in the present iteration. They will also be equipped with 64 gigabytes of RAM.
J416 is a 16-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max processors. The specs for the 16-inch M2 Max MacBook Pro will be the same as those for the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
J180 is the codename for a Mac Pro. The M1 Ultra chip, which is currently utilized in Mac Studio PCs, will be replaced in this system.
Apple is also evaluating the Mac mini with the M1 Pro CPU, which is found in the current 14-inch and 16-inch entry-level MacBook Pros. J374 is the codename for this machine. The corporation has previously tested the M1 Max version of the Mac mini, but the upcoming Mac Studio may render it obsolete.
Further Testing
Apple is also testing a Mac mini with an M1 Pro processor, which is included in today’s entry-level 14-inch as well as 16-inch MacBook Pros. The codename for this machine is J374 The company has also tested an M1 Max Mac mini, but the upcoming Mac Studio might make both PCs obsolete.
The new MacBook Air, low-end MacBook Pro, and new Mac mini are set to appear this year, with at least two Macs set to ship around the middle of the year. The new MacBook Air is set to be the most significant overhaul in the product’s history, with a smaller body and MagSafe charging.
In the past, developer logs successfully anticipated the specs of new Macs. Logs reported last year that the MacBook Pro chips will be called the M1 Pro and M1 Max.
Apple hasn’t upgraded the MacBook Air, Mac mini, or entry-level MacBook Pro since the original M1 processor was released in November 2020. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, on the other hand, were released more recently, in October of last year.
The Apple M2 will be the direct successor to the M1
Apple has not acknowledged any details regarding the M2 chip. However, sources claim it will be a straight replacement for the current M1 CPU. This is a significant distinction from the previously introduced M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. They are thought to be beefed-up variants of the M1 rather than successors. The M1 Pro and M1 Max are meant to coexist alongside the M1. Since they are intended for professional computers such as the MacBook Pro 2021 and iMac Pro 2022, rather than entry-level devices.
Meanwhile, the M2 chip is intended for the same entry-level Macs as the M1. Thus, it will be found in the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2022, MacBook Air 2022, and the next entry-level iMac. This implies that the M2 chip will basically start off the second generation of Apple Silicon CPUs, similar to how Intel is presently putting out its 12th Gen Alder Lake line-up to replace the previous 11th Gen line-up.
Apple M2 might be built using a 4nm technology
The Apple M2 is likely to be manufactured using a 4nm technology. It is a step up over the M1’s 5nm node, allowing for more transistors. With a smaller node, the Apple M2 may be more efficient than the M1. Resulting in superior performance even if it has the same number of CPU cores. Many sources indicate that the Apple M2 will feature the same amount of CPU cores as its predecessor (8). So it will be fascinating to see how much of an impact the architecture advancements will have.
The MacBook Pro might be the first notebook to include the M2 chipset
According to MacRumors, the 13-inch MacBook Pro will be the first Mac to use the new M2 processor. Apple is likely to keep the same appearance and feature set, with the exception of a CPU update.
Previous reports stated that the M2 processor will be introduced in the MacBook Air instead. However, that lightweight laptop isn’t anticipated until the second half of the year. Since Apple is reported to be redesigning it and adding new features like a Mini LED screen and MagSafe charging. The entry-level iMac and Mac Mini are also expected to receive an M2 processor update. However, we don’t know when these products will be available.
