Apple is poised to alter its strategy regarding chip design with the introduction of the forthcoming M5 series. The company, well-known for its integrated system-on-a-chip (SoC) architecture that unifies the central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) into a single entity, is preparing to implement a new approach. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicates that Apple intends to separate the CPU and GPU in the M5 Pro chip, signifying a departure from its established design principles.

Mass Production to Start in 2025

The M5 series, which encompasses the standard M5 along with its variants such as the M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra, is slated to commence mass production in 2025. The development of the M5 will leverage TSMC's advanced 3nm semiconductor technology, potentially leading to enhancements in both performance and energy efficiency relative to its predecessor. It is anticipated that Apple will implement a new chip design that occupies a smaller footprint than the conventional System-on-Chip (SoC).

Ming-Chi Kuo, a noted supply chain analyst at TF International Securities, forecasts that the mass production of the M5 chip will initiate in the first half of 2025. The M5 Pro and Ultra variants are expected to follow, with production commencing in the latter half of 2025 and extending into 2026, respectively. Kuo indicates that the M5 will be manufactured using TSMC's N3P node, which is projected to deliver a 5 per cent increase in performance while simultaneously decreasing power consumption by 5-10 per cent when compared to the M4's N3E node.

Furthermore, Apple may implement a novel "server-grade" System-on-Integrated-Chips-molding-Horizontal (SoIC-mH) design for its M5 Pro and Ultra models. This innovative design arranges multiple integrated circuits in a horizontal layout within a single mould, potentially reducing the chip's overall size by 30-50 per cent in comparison to traditional SoC architectures. This modification is expected to improve thermal performance and reduce the likelihood of throttling.

CPU and GPU Separation for Better Optimisation

One of the most notable changes in the M5 design is the decoupling of the CPU and GPU. Traditionally, Apple has combined these two components on a single chip; however, this alteration may enhance the optimization of each for its designated functions. Kuo indicates that this innovative strategy could result in improved performance, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) applications, as it enables each unit to be specifically tailored for its respective role.

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