Industry insiders anticipate a surge in sales during the third quarter of 2023 for semiconductor backend houses like the preeminent OSAT ASE Technology Holdings (ASEH) and the test interface specialist CHPT. This prediction is attributed to the extensive preparation underway in Apple’s supply chain for the imminent launch of new iPhones and Mac devices.
A recent revelation by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg suggested that the debut Macs furnished with the M3 chip could hit the market as soon as October. This aligns well with the ongoing preparations in Apple’s supply chain in this third quarter.
Gurman further hinted that the first Macs to come equipped with the M3 chip are likely to be the 13-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch MacBook Air, and 24-inch iMac. Additionally, it is speculated that the Mac mini and the 15-inch MacBook Air will be refreshed with the M3 chip in due time.
Although Apple is yet to officially announce the M3 chip, it is largely anticipated to be produced using TSMC’s advanced 3nm process. This technique promises substantial improvements in both performance and power efficiency compared to the preceding M-series chips, which utilized TSMC’s 5nm process.
The forthcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are also believed to be powered by the A17 Bionic chip, manufactured with TSMC’s 3nm process.
Rumors abound of iPad Pro models equipped with the M3 chip and an OLED display slated for launch in the first half of 2024.
