Apple starts M5 chip production, promising improved efficiency, performance, and upgraded cores

Apple begins M5 chip production with TSMC's N3P, enhancing performance and efficiency.

: Apple has reportedly started mass production of the M5 processor using TSMC's N3P process, offering a 5-10% boost in performance over the M4 chip. This new chip will power Apple's desktops, laptops, and tablets and includes the M5, M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra variants. The N3P process will enhance the chip's energy efficiency and thermal management through improved substrates and packaging technologies. Initial devices featuring the M5 chip might appear in late 2025 or early 2026.

Apple has begun producing the M5 processor series, focusing initially on the base M5, with reports suggesting the chip's readiness for mass production. These chips are built on TSMC's N3P fabrication process, promising a 5% improvement in performance and up to 10% more efficient power usage than the previous M4's N3E process.

The N3P process introduces upgraded ABF films and organic substrates, expected to reduce package thickness and enhance interconnection density. Furthermore, high-tier models like the M5 Max and M5 Ultra are likely to employ TSMC's SoIC-mH technology for improved heat management and possibly support larger GPUs.

Consumers may not see M5-powered devices like the next-generation iPad Pro until late 2025 or early 2026. Apple tends to precede their MacBook Pro upgrades with such advancements, indicating that these powerful new chips may bring significant upgrades to their product lineup.

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